Fathering and Flexible Working Arrangements: A Systematic Interdisciplinary Review

Abstract

Much of the existing literature and research in the area of fathers' flexible work has been disciplinary specific, resulting in a fragmented understanding of the topic. The objective of this systematic review is to overcome some of the limitations of the existing body of literature by adopting an interdisciplinary approach and exploring the dominant themes in the literature across disciplines surrounding flexible working arrangements, including parental leave, for fathers. The content of 121 articles from the years 2008–2019 was analyzed using thematic synthesis to identify recurring themes, which resulted in the development of four top‐level themes—gender norms and ideals, a failure of policy, incompatible workplace norms and expectations, and social class and flexibility—and a primary theme, the invisible and stigmatized father in the workplace. The findings suggest that men's caring responsibilities need to become more visible in the workplace via changes to practice and policy.