Hybrid masculinity in early childcare: a qualitative study of a Ghanaian municipality

Abstract

ABSTRACT Men’s identity and daily survival appear to be restricted and stereotyped in society. Men and boys are socialized to be excluded from breastfeeding, complementary feeding, child bathing, cleaning, care for umbilical, and sleeping arrangement childcare activities and identified as providers for the family in Ghana. This paper seeks to explore how hybrid masculinity is being created by first-time fathers in Oforikrom Municipality, Ghana. Using a case study design, thirty-five (35) first-time fathers participated in semi-structured interviews, and eight (8) first-time fathers drawn from the semi-structured interviews participated in the photovoice. The interviews were audio recorded, and manually analysed thematically. Photovoice data were obtained from participants and analysed through adapted ‘thematic-photovoice analyses. The study found that masculinity is being reconstructed among first-time fathers in Oforikrom Municipality, Ghana as a result of the blend in childcare activities like caring fathering role and traditional fathering role. Consequently, the study calls on Policymakers and Practitioners to recognize the hybrid masculinity in contemporary Ghana among first-time fathers and develop appropriate policies and programmes response.