Reinventing fatherhood in Japan and Canada

This article summarizes the findings of a transnational study of Japanese a nd Canadian families. Fathers' perceptions are presented for a critical dev elopmental phase of life: pregnancy, labor, birth, the early and late postp artum periods. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, 33 fath ers and 194 mothers were interviewed: Japanese in Tokyo and Montreal, and E nglish and French Canadians in Montreal. In addition, the study examines th e impact of pregnancy and birth on the relationship of marriage. The result s suggest that the social meaning of fatherhood has been transformed, legit imizing the presence of the father in the domestic sphere as a consequence of shifting extended family household structures, economic conditions and t he empowerment of women. Other significant (p < 0.05) patterns were identif ied. (1) Canadian fathers participate in labor and delivery to a higher deg ree than Japanese fathers in Montreal and Tokyo do (mothers in Tokyo felt m ore isolated). (2) Canadian men (60%) are more likely to take time off from work during this phase than the Japanese. (3) Overall, the majority of fat hers, in all four groups, cared for the child to a higher degree than expec ted and (4). Birth and early child rearing appears to have a significant im pact on marriage in all four groups. Public policy issues are addressed and potential responses provided. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.