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Today's fathers are more involved with childcare than the generations that preceded them. There is evidence to suggest that men consider fatherhood and their relationships with their children as more important than ever before. Still, society generally deems the activity of "parenting" as feminine. Thus, men who choose to identify with hegemonic notions of masculinity have few pre-existing father identities to choose from. I argue that fathers actively masculinize their parenting in order to protect their masculine identities. I use qualitative methods to examine the diff erent approaches that they take to conciliate their actions as fathers with their identities as men. They do so by stressing diff erent areas of importance when it comes to parenting, by adding masculine elements to their fathering activities, and by staying away from parenting activities that are generally marked by society as feminine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great deal of literature regarding the differences between mother-hood and fatherhood. The literature suggests that parenthood is deeply gendered and takes on different meanings for men and for women. This paper examines parenthood from an angle not typically addressed in feminist discussion. Missing from recent scholarship is any in-depth examination of the role that women may play in limiting the involvement of their male partners. What part do women play in the maintenance of traditional parenting roles? This paper, based on a series of interviews with parents of young children as well as field research in child centered locations, concentrates on the reasons behind the emergence of gendered parenting approaches. The qualitative nature of this study makes it possible to note the complexity of this issue and examine the role of both mother and father in gatekeeping. Overall, I argue that many mothers are involved in maternal gatekeeping through taking control over both major and minor parenting decisions, through controlling access to parenting information and through implementing control mechanisms during their absence. I discuss the means by which some mothers attempt to limit their partners' involvement and the ambivalence that this creates for both parents involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the structural barriers faced by female soldiers serving on closed bases of the Israel Defence Forces. It says that a big study has been made which suggests that women copy male soldiers to get around the basic barriers set by the military. The author believes that while playing at being real soldiers may bring a sense of self-worth to individuals, collectively it is as progressive as a children's dress-up game and produces much the same temporary uplift. She wonders if male soldiers serving peripherally have the same experience.