To ask you to help me with this?

[Suki1234]

I'm not actually a mum but my friend has a health and social care project and I said I'd help her. One of the questions asked is "What are the expectations of mothers and fathers in this country (UK) and what are the main differences?" I thought you might be able to give some ideas as it would be better to here from actual parents. Thanks very much for this.

The main differences of what? Between mother and father or between expectations and reality?

Between mothers and fathers.

From my perspective fathers are expected to work full time and provide for their children. Mothers are expected to stop work, cut down drastically or work ft unhappily when their children are primary aged.

It's a poorly phrased question. Expectations is wide open, it needs context. The main differences, again, context needed. Then you need to consider the socio-economic background of the respondents, as that will affect their answers.

I’m still finding it a rather nebulous question.
The expectations of the mothers or fathers themselves or if each other or what they perceive society’s expectations are? And which differences? The mother and father? Which type of differences? Financial? Society’s perceptions again?

I interpreted it as what society expects either mothers and fathers to do for their children. Eg, as StealthPolarBear said, fathers are still expected to be providers and mothers to give up life before motherhood. I just assumed that it wouldn't be quite as black and white as that today and whether any of you would be able to tell me what you were expected to do after having children. Thanks for the responses.

Well, I think it's safe to say society expects you to provide for your child/children, both financially and emotionally, whether that be mum working or dad, I don't think these days either/both is thought of as odd.

Personally, what I expect of dh is to work to keep our finances healthy on his work days and do everything I do for the children on evenings and some weekends when not working, he expects me to nurture and look after our children whilst he's away, keep the house ticking over whilst he is working and work when our children are in school/nursery. Then at home things are shared mostly and the children and house etc are OUR responsibility.

But we agreed our roles before having children and regularly check in and make sure we're both happy. I wouldn't assume a role without the conversation/agreement.

Agree the question is too open for interpretation.

Your friend needs to ask the question as they have had the explanation/ context and brief.

There is some good paper about using discussion sites for primary research