Assessing community attitudes towards home-based male caregivers for daycare children

Abstract

This study explored community attitudes toward home-based male caregivers for daycare children in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The aim was to understand perspectives on using male caregivers for daycare children. The study interviewed 32 parents and prospective parents in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, about their attitudes toward male caregivers for daycare children. During the interviews, respondents were asked about their willingness to use male caregivers, the reasons behind their decision, the expected impacts on children, and the need for societal change. The study occurred between February and July 2022 in Ogbomoso South and North Local Government areas. Respondents include married men and women aged 30-50, with equal numbers of males and females represented in the 32 interviewees. A qualitative approach was used alongside an accidental sampling technique. An inductive thematic analysis elicited key themes shaping attitudes and norms. A prevalent theme was associating caregiving with inherent female capabilities and maternal duties - many felt women naturally provide superior nurturing and care while men lack these innate aptitudes. Alongside this was a strong distrust of males with children, stemming from abuse and misconduct fears. However, some felt gender is irrelevant, professing egalitarian ideals. However, pursuing equality conflicted with lingering skepticism about men's care motivations. It is apparent that parents lack a framework for choosing caregivers yetchoose for their children. Such a framework could help bridge the gender inequality gap in caregiving.