The appy for a happy pappy: expectant fatherhood and pregnancy apps.

Thomas, Gareth M.; Lupton, Deborah; Pedersen, Sarah

Abstract

Many mobile software applications ('apps') related to pregnancy have been developed for the global market, yet little research has explored how expectant or new fathers are represented in such technologies. Drawing on a critical discourse analysis of the descriptions of pregnancy apps available in two major online stores, we identify how these media artefacts represent a problematic version of performing fatherhood. On the one hand, notions of 'intimate' fatherhood are enacted by emphasising the importance of men acquiring knowledge about pregnancy/childbirth and providing emotional and informed support to their partner as she experiences pregnancy, childbirth and new motherhood. However, many apps also condescend to expectant fathers and trivialize their role, assuming that they need entertainment, humour and encouragement to promote their involvement. We suggest that such meanings are reflected in wider social expectations, norms and paradoxes in relation to the role of men in contemporary parenthood. Further research is required to explore how men engage with apps and how apps contribute to their understandings and practices of expectant and new fatherhood.

Citation

THOMAS, G.M., LUPTON, D. and PEDERSEN, S. 2018. The appy for a happy pappy: expectant fatherhood and pregnancy apps. Journal of gender studies [online], 27(7), pages 759-770. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2017.1301813

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 28, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Mar 16, 2017
• Publication Date: Oct 31, 2018
• Deposit Date: Mar 23, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 17, 2018
• Journal: Journal of gender studies
• Print ISSN: 0958-9236
• Electronic ISSN: 1465-3869
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 759-770
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2017.1301813
• Keywords: Apps; Fatherhood; Masculinities; Parenting; Pregnancy; Sociology
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2234
• Contract Date: Mar 23, 2017