Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Middle class men are more likely to actively parent?

83 replies

Bananapancakes00 · 23/03/2025 18:07

Just based on observations of people I know, on average, middle class men are more likely to share childcare duties, especially of babies, when not working. Whereas working class men tend to believe it's the woman's job to look after young children. Not saying either is better, just a difference in attitudes and social norms. Aibu?

OP posts:
Valeyard15 · 23/03/2025 18:21

Middle class people in general have far more time.

cheeseismydownfall · 23/03/2025 18:20

Hmm, I'm not sure.

I do wonder if middle class men are more likely to absent themselves in more subtle ways e.g. working long hours, disappearing off to their home office to avoid bathtime etc. As opposed to going down the pub, football every weekend etc.

But then again, look at all those middle age, middle class men in lycra on their bikes and doing triathlons while the mother is at home looking after the children.

I don't think you can generalise based on class.

Crispsandcola · 23/03/2025 18:20

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

BlueBatBlossom · 23/03/2025 18:15

There are good Dads.
There are bad Dads.
There are ok Dads.
Class is irrelevant.

noworklifebalance · 23/03/2025 18:14

Not saying either is better, just a difference in attitudes and social norms

Well, one is definitely better, IMO.
I don’t think it is as simple as working or middle class. Whether the mother works (full time, part time), cultural differences also come into it.
I can understand that if the mother is a SAHP and the father work full time as the sole income earner then naturally the mother is more likely to parent. This may suit the both parents well.

Itisjustmyopinion · 23/03/2025 18:13

Depends on the man

I know working class guys who are active parents and then there are middle class guys who work all the time and expect the wife to give up her career and become a SAHM so he can have the important job

LandSharksAnonymous · 23/03/2025 18:12

Someone's 'class' has no impact on their ability to be a good parent nor how much actual 'parenting' they will do.

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 23/03/2025 18:10

My ex was working class and fucked off entirely. No cards, no child support, no interest.

My own dad is middle class and was very present.

So, that’s my input.

Swipe left for the next trending thread