The perception of fatherhood in parenting is slowly evolving
from being peripheral to being central. Young men are progressively embracing parenting
and actively participate in raising their children. This is evident in Sweden
where the government decided to implement the parental leave plan which campaigns
for fathers with jobs to get as equal opportunity as mothers to raise their
children. The parental leave plan generously give 480 paid days to the working
parents to be away from work and go spend time with their children. These leave
days are to be shared equally between the father and mother.
From the time when this leave plan was implemented, streets
in towns across Sweden have been crowded with youngish bearded men carrying
their babies in strollers or hanging out with toddlers at the public parks.
This has become a common sight as confessed by a Swedish man who was quoted
saying, “In Stockholm, it’s common to see four dads with expensive strollers hanging
out in the park, in tight jeans, just-right white shirts, and nice leather
shoes. It’s definitely a thing”. However, foreigners who are visiting in Sweden
find it amusing.
Latte dad
Another common trend in Sweden is young men pushing strollers,
going into a coffee café and having a latte. And because of their apparent taste
of caffeine, they came to be known as ‘Latte dads’. While this may be frowned
at by the older generation of men, the younger generation finds it sexy and
being a modern man who values equality.
Latte dad is becoming a popular figure to represent a father
who stay at home or substantially spend time wiping noses, changing diapers,
and watching the children while their wives return to work. He is a true
testimony from the efforts the society has put to improve gender equality.
Comments
Post a Comment