Significados e dilemas do exercício da paternidade entre pais em um hospital pediátrico no Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The present work presents the final results of a qualitative research on paternity from the point of view of six fathers (men) whose children were submitted to surgeries in a public maternal-infant hospital of high complexity in 2004. The main results reveal the coexistence between different models of paternity (at times guided by an appreciation of the role of provider, at other times by the valorization of the role of a present, affective and caregiver father), expressed in the contradictory articulation of a more affective and present male participation in dealing with children articulated to the exercise of actions that preserve male privileges and gender hierarchy in the public and private spheres. The importance of paternity for men as a social status is also highlighted, positively associated with the increase in responsibility and desire - real or ideal - for a daily family life. In the opportunity of increasing responsibilities when becoming a father, the role of provider is highlighted as fundamental and as an important pillar of paternity, evaluated as an element that would add value to the quality of the father and child relationship. Other fundamental actors for the exercise of paternity are: women who are or were united with their fathers - and who can facilitate or hinder their relationship with their children - and their experience with their own parents.