Work-life challenges through the eyes of single fathers

Abstract

The main aim of this research is to delve into the experiences of single fathers with caring commitments. This study sheds more light on the various categories of single fathers and seeks to identify the challenges they face as they tackle paid work with family and other commitments. The study makes a number of proposals to help single fathers integrate better their work-life commitments. The study builds on Acker’s theory of Gendered Organisations in order to analyse the single fathers diverging roles. The study was based on eight in-depth interviews and adopts a qualitative approach. Thematic analysis has been implemented in identifying common themes and topics. Findings suggest that there are various differences between single fathers depending whether the fathers are widowed or divorced/separated. In addition to the challenges related to marital status, single fathers also find difficulty in managing their time, addressing household needs such as cleaning and cooking and also the difficulty in managing to retain full time paid work. Overall, the study confirmed that organisations are still not gender neutral and men with caring responsibilities are still not well supported in organisations, leaving pressures and difficulties in men who take care of children, whilst addressing other needs.