ABSTRACT
This chapter explains that among a number of structural and historical factors, the ideology of traditional breadwinner masculinity, which still underpins gender-differentiated practices, also contributes to maintaining the patriarchal order. Without doubt, ideals of masculinity and femininity underpin policymaking, labour markets and individual practices while, at the same time, they are permanently being changed by them in one way or the other. The chapter discusses that the gender contract models emerging from the division of labour reflect ideals of masculinity and femininity that are profoundly inter-related. It also focuses on theoretical framework for the cross-national analysis that will be carried out. Gender cultures have been approached as key subjects for comparative analysis. Overall, the variation in the three attitudinal dimensions resulting from the factor analysis shows that individuals put a medium amount of emphasis on the dual breadwinner ideal, while simultaneously displaying a moderately positive view of mother's employment.
