ABSTRACT
The purpose of this paper and ‘IMAGES’ research is to examine the degree of men’s participation in housework and childcare, and their role as fathers. Entire research in Bosnia and Herzegovina was implemented by NGO ‘Perpetuum mobile’, in cooperation with Care NWB and Instituto ‘Promundo’.
The quantitative research was conducted on a representative and random sample in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The total sample included 748 men and 464 women who live with their partners, aged 18–63, from 56 municipalities. Twenty interviews were conducted with men, who in their behaviour, manifested greater commitment and care towards children and wives.
Key results showed that general attitudes to gender equality are full of stereotypes about the dominant role of men. We have identified five key factors that have influenced men to be involved in childcare and housework: early childhood experiences; influence of wives; personal feelings on the part of the man that he needs to feel included; belief that men’s involvement is empowering family values; moral values held by the household regarding the parents’ responsibility.
