Allies, Not Enemies

Abstract

Chapter 9 focuses on the important role men can play in supporting women as they create positive paths through work and motherhood. While we have talked about men at home and at work in previous chapters, this is an important enough topic that it warrants a specific chapter. We begin by discussing the benefits for mothers, children, and fathers when men are caregiving partners. Like women, men are beginning to approach their careers differently, with greater interest in making space for life outside of work. Men face different challenges and opportunities when they integrate fatherhood and work. Women need to be aware of these differences as they look to their partners to support their work/life path. Finally, we turn our attention to the workplace and how men can act as allies and support working mothers at work. To get this support from men, women need to give support—a topic we discuss throughout this chapter.