Performing Fatherhood: A narrative study of a Japanese man navigating fatherhood in Japan and Denmark

Abstract

The discourse on fatherhood in Japan has evolved, with increasing recognition of diverse paternal identities that challenge the traditional image of the absent, breadwinning father. This shift is further reflected in the family-friendly initiatives aimed at encouraging men’s participation in domestic life. The primary aim of this thesis is to examine Japanese fatherhood from a cross-cultural perspective by comparing how individuals navigate paternal practices and norms in Japan and Denmark. Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity is employed to analyse how fatherhood and masculinity are enacted across contexts and to assess whether these performances conform to or depart from societal norms. Utilising a qualitative life story interview with one Japanese father, the study provides a contextually bound and nuanced analysis of the construction of gendered practices and identities over time and across societies. Three key themes were identified from an inductive-deductive thematic analysis: (1) Japan’s work culture reinforcing traditional fatherhood, (2) Towards more involved fatherhood in Denmark, and (3) Masculinity as a spatio-temporal transformation. The first theme demonstrates that, despite governmental efforts and greater societal acceptance of fathers’ caregiving, Japanese corporate culture continues to reinforce the salaryman ideal and a gendered division of labour, thereby hindering paternal involvement. The second theme depicts how Danish societal values of gender equality and workplace norms encourage a more active paternal role, reshaping the informant’s understanding of his roles as both father and husband. These themes underscore the influence of institutional and cultural contexts on paternal performances, simultaneously revealing more subtle spatial dynamics that shape these enactments. The third theme emphasises how masculine identity is renegotiated not only across different spaces but also over time through various life trajectories and experiences. Together, these findings highlight the importance of attending to contextual nuances in the construction of masculinity and paternal identity, demonstrating that these are fluid concepts shaped by individuals’ interactions with multiple spatial levels and temporal dimensions. While these themes support Butler’s theory, the findings also raise questions about its limitations, particularly regarding agency and the influence of circumstantial factors on masculine and paternal performances. Furthermore, the study underlines the need for institutions to actively enforce government initiatives, such as paternity leave, to ensure the realisation of family-friendly policies in everyday practices within societies.