A semiotic review of the presentation of fathers in the Irish media before and after the introduction of paid paternity leave : are dads portrayed differently since paternity leave was introduced in Ireland? : a semiotic review of what the pictures and papers really say

Abstract

Feminism looks for gender equality and to improve the lives of women. I believe that by improving paternal opportunities and positioning Dads in a positive and empowered parental space we improve the lives of women also involved in their individual parental dynamics. In this project, I have looked to generate a dialogue and create a space for parents who have lived through parenting and also include those who are still experiencing the social changes delivered in Ireland with regard to social policy that effects the family. Ireland is changing and whilst change is slow, Ireland is hopefully progressing towards full gender equality in parenting. By ensuring that Dads experience a fair and realistic representation as equal parents to their children, this will ensure that parental equity will ultimately benefit women to be empowered and level the parenting playing field. This premise of equality not only empowers men but moves towards improving outcomes for women; as such, this research is situated at the core of feminist theory and activism. By using feminist theories to support masculinities, and in turn enrich men’s lives, this research will demonstrate how the lives of women who co-parent with these men are improved. This research demonstrates the core of feminism and will show that by supporting fathers to fulfil the fatherhood role that both men and women report to desire, the closing of the gender parenting gap, a concept outlined within this research, can be achieved. By analysing popular media articles and considering the legislative position of Irish fathers, along with the very definition of what make a man a father, the introduction of paid paternity leave in Ireland forms the cornerstone on which the investigation is situated. In reviewing the images and texts used in various forms of media, for example, those present in mainstream Irish news publications, this project will attempt to empower Dads and support them towards egalitarian and feminist parenting roles. This in turn supports the feminist positions of equality and empowerment. This study uses the Harvard-Anglian reference style as supported by the MS Word Software, along with NVIVO qualitative evaluation and semiotic analysis to ask the question: “Since the introduction of paid paternity leave in Ireland has the media representation of father in Irish popular media changed to reflect a more engaged father?”