ABSTRACT
Care and support for very young children has been perceived as strongly gendered. This study utilised the ecological approach to present a head on encounter with the lived experience of men in early childcare in Zimbabwe. A generative analysis of qualitative data from urban and rural men and care service providers revealed that apart from sociocultural influence, local men’s conceptualisation of care, expected care outcomes, care capabilities and policy resources shape their involvement in childcare. Consequently, more open approaches in understanding men and caring, capacity building and institutional reform can greatly enhance men’s participation in early childhood care and support.
