New research conducted with NORC at the University of Chicago suggests that young men increasingly value caregiving. The nationally representative survey of over 3,000 Americans, with an oversample of young men aged 18-29, found that more than six in ten young men consider caregiving as important as paid work.
Thirty percent of young men identify as caregivers, including 44% of young Hispanic men. The survey also revealed that nearly six in ten young men who have worked while giving care have reduced their work hours, highlighting concerns about providing care while earning enough to live.
The findings indicate that eight in ten young men believe being an involved father is an important part of being a man. Furthermore, seven in ten would be at least somewhat interested in being a stay-at-home parent if given the choice. Six in ten young men, compared to about four in ten young women, expressed interest in being a full-time caregiver.
Despite some young men holding traditional views on gender roles, with 32% saying women are better suited for most care work, more than 70% of young men believe care should be divided equally. Half of young men anticipate needing paid leave from work to care for a child in the future, and 44% expect to need leave for an adult family member.