E11: Michael Ray - Redefining Fatherhood

The 21st Century Change Agent

Welcome to an episode #11! For this episode I got together with Michael Ray, author, speaker and a fatherhood advocate to talk understand: What is the mould of a modern dad? What is the blueprint that men should be following and modelling today? And ultimately, how much has the role of fathers truly advanced over the past half-century?

Fatherhood is facing an interesting time right now. On one hand there still is the historical model of a father as a man who works with his hands; who will build a dollhouse for his daughter with a screwdriver in his right hand and a cold beer in his left. On the other, fathers are being tasked more than ever to define where they stand on feminism, on gender roles, and on politics.
Traditional family structures have shifted over the past several decades as fathers engage in more child caregiving. Yet, fatherhood inclusive practice and perspective remains limited: policies and programs perpetuate stereotypes of a father’s role, namely that of the financial provider. Fathers also face increased “sociocultural pressure” to be involved in caregiving and pushback from workplaces for trying to do so, such as through taking paternity leave. Reimagining the fatherhood narrative will require shedding fatherhood stigmas and adopting what is true today: fathers are capable, eager to share parental duties, and are more engaged than ever.
On this episode we covered:

1) What is the narrative of 'fatherhood' today?
2) We have gender neutral policies, but what about our practices?
3) Are domestic activities gender-specific?
4) Redesigning the family unit
5) Ensuring better allyship for mums and dads

Liked the conversation? Let me know by rating & reviewing this podcast and engage in the conversation on Twitter by using #changeagentpodcast.
You can follow and reach out to Michael via:
LinkedIn: michael-ray-574079183
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.michaelray.com.au
Get in touch with Baiba via:
Twitter: @BaibaZiga and @Consulting_LHC
LinkedIn & Instagram: Baiba Ziga
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.lakehouse-consulting.com (subscribe to a weekly newsletter with handpicked articles, podcasts, videos and books)
Baiba is a People and Culture Transformation Consultant, with passion for cultural intelligence and leadership development. Get in touch with Baiba to talk about how she can help your organisation with cultural intelligence and leadership development on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion topics.
Sources quotes & further reading:
https://podfollow.com/dilf/episode/170c5b14eab3092c5c380d5d088e6906747bb381/view

Chapters

1. E11: Michael Ray - Redefining Fatherhood (00:00:00)

2. Different Expectations From Mothers And Fathers (00:08:56)

3. Gender Roles In Parenting (00:11:10)

4. What Is The Narrative For 'Fatherhood' Today? (00:16:51)

5. Breaking The Historic Stereotypes (00:22:32)

6. What Role The Government Plays In Parenting? (00:27:48)

7. Are Domestic Activities Gender Specific? (00:33:24)

8. Are Dads The Third Wheel In Their Own Families? (00:42:39)

9. Redesigning Family Unit (00:48:56)

10. The Need For More 'Dad' Role Models (00:56:17)

11. Parenting In The Pandemic (01:02:01)