The contribution of gender shame to fathers’ absence from welfare services

Abstract

Based on in-depth interviews with 44 parents in Israel the study presents factors that inhibited fathers from applying for help from welfare services. The findings show the effects of “gender shame”. Apparently, both genders consider fathers’ appealing for welfare services as an indication of failure to fulfil their role as breadwinners, a view that undermines their male identity. This view led many of the mothers to take the responsibility of seeking help from the welfare services and encourage fathers to focus on their main role as breadwinners.