Caring Masculinities among Millennial Fathers in Medan City: A Phenomenological Study of Parenting Role Negotiation

Camelia Nasution; Harmona Daulay; Muba Simanihuruk; Hadriana Marhaeni Munthe; Rizabuana Rizabuana

doi:10.55927/eajmr.v5i7.242

Authors

Camelia Nasution Universitas Sumatera Utara
Harmona Daulay Universitas Sumatera Utara
Muba Simanihuruk Universitas Sumatera Utara
Hadriana Marhaeni Munthe Universitas Sumatera Utara
Rizabuana Rizabuana Universitas Sumatera Utara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i7.242

Keywords:

caring masculinities, millennial fathers, father involvement, childcare, phenomenology

Abstract

This study examines how millennial fathers in Medan City construct caring masculinities through childcare involvement and family role negotiation. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with ten purposively selected millennial fathers. The findings show that fatherhood is understood not only as breadwinning but also as emotional presence, domestic participation, and shared responsibility with a spouse. The participants’ experiences indicate that caring masculinities emerge through reflection on personal history, active engagement with children, and ongoing negotiation against patriarchal expectations. The study concludes that fatherhood can become a space for reconstructing masculinity into a more relational and egalitarian form.

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