@article{717,
  keywords = {Parenting, Gender and sexual orientation},
  author = {Jessica Collett and Kelcie Vercel and Olevia Boykin},
  title = {Using Identity Processes to Understand Persistent Inequality in Parenting},
  abstract = {<p>Despite growing acceptance of a {\textquotedblleft}new fatherhood{\textquotedblright} urging fathers to be engaged in family life, men{\textquoteright}s relative contributions to housework and child care have remained largely stagnant over the past twenty years. Using data from in-depth interviews, we describe how identity processes may contribute to this persistent inequality in parenting. We propose that the specificity of men{\textquoteright}s identity standards for the father role is related to role-relevant behavior, and that the vague expectations many associate with {\textquotedblleft}new fatherhood{\textquotedblright} both contribute to and result from men{\textquoteright}s underinvolvement. Consistent with this proposal, we find that while all fathers face difficulty living up to expectations of {\textquotedblleft}new fatherhood,{\textquotedblright} those with vague identity standards contribute less to carework and are less committed to the father identity, in part because they are less likely to experience self-discrepancy. We outline the implications of our results for future research in identity theory and for understanding inequality in households.</p>
},
  year = {2015},
  journal = {Social Psychology Quarterly},
  volume = {78},
  number = {4},
  pages = {345-364},
  url = {http://spq.sagepub.com/content/78/4/345.short},
}