“I still don't get this new manhood”: Masculinity among first‐time fathers

Abstract Objective The current research explores how men experience masculinity during the transition to fatherhood. Background The transition to fatherhood is a major developmental stage in men's growth. When they become fathers, they are required to redefine their masculine identity as they are exposed to the tension between traditional masculinity and the growing discourse of new masculinity. Method Based on the framework of ecological theory, this phenomenological study is based on interviews with first‐time Israeli fathers. Results The research results suggest an ecological understanding of the process of constructing masculine identity in the transition to fatherhood. They indicate that the tension between the traditional hegemonic masculine identity and the emerging one in the transition to fatherhood occurs on three ecological levels. On the first, individual level, men experience intense emotions previously unfamiliar to them, as well as changes in their bodies and cognitive perceptions of their identity. On the second, microsystem level, they reconstruct their identity in relation to their partner. Finally, on the mesosystemic level, new fathers construct their identity by negotiating with societal norms and the perceptions of other men regarding their masculinity and fatherhood. Conclusion First‐time fathers feel the need to adopt attitudes and behaviors that match traditional social expectations as well as meet the ambiguous definitions of new masculinity. Implications The article discusses the importance of raising the awareness of family counselors and social workers about the tensions and opportunities involved in this developmental stage.