PERCEPTION OF FEMALE ACADEMICS ON MEN'S INVOLVEMENT IN CHILD-REARING DURING THE PANDEMIC

Abstract

The present study explores academics' perceptions of men's participation in raising children during the pandemic.

Working women face discrimination at work, lack of recognition of rights, limited autonomy in raising their children, and double working hours between work and home, in contrast to men. Although there are national and international efforts for equality, gaps persist that limit their autonomy and access to better working conditions and opportunities.

Qualitative study was developed using a phenomenological, exploratory approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with eight academics, and the information was analyzed through narrative content analysis.

Although the participants acknowledge having grown up in a traditional family model, many of them have implicitly reproduced this dynamic in their own homes. The pandemic made it possible to make the differences in care roles more clearly visible, showing that the main responsibility continues to fall on women.

In conclusion, growing up in nuclear families reinforces learned gender roles. During the pandemic, many women took on more tasks, increasing their stress and evidencing inequalities, since parenthood continues to be seen as support.