Hazy Transition to Fatherhood: The Experiences of Czech Fathers

Using longitudinal qualitative research, the study focuses on the transition to fatherhood and the life changes which fatherhood effects in men’s everyday lives. Comparative thematic analysis was used in the study of data provided by two waves of research focusing on 16 dual-earner Czech parental couples. The first wave of interviews took place during pregnancy and the second on the child reaching 18 months. The expectant fathers evinced vague plans concerning approaching fatherhood; some stressed involvement in childcare while others emphasized the provider role. The concept of a “hazy” transition to fatherhood evolved based on the narratives of first-time fathers and is used to describe the indistinct character of the transition to fatherhood. Identity theory is used as the explanatory framework. I suggest that the hazy transition to fatherhood involves the low social appraisal of fatherhood, the breadwinner role, and the central worker identity