Starting yesterday, I’m officially a Visiting Scholar at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies at Harvard University, Cambridge. For the next five months, I’ll be knee-deep in finishing papers and doing my best to transform my nearly complete project on fatherhood activism in Europe into an actual book under the working title “In the name of the father, the child and gender equality: fatherhood activism in Europe.” This project, funded by the Swedish Research Council, has been my steadfast (and occasionally demanding) companion. It focuses on the complex yet fascinating world of gender (in)equality, masculinities, and fatherhood. I’m investigating European fatherhood activism from national, comparative, and transnational perspectives. Yes, it’s a niche, and yes, it’s important and yet very much underresearched. 

But what fatherhood activism actually is? Well, if you are plus minus my age, or older, you may remember 2004, when the image of a man dressed as Batman waving from a balcony at Buckingham Palace made headlines across the UK and beyond. This daring stunt, known as the “Batman Action,” was organized by the British fathers’ movement as a protest against what they perceived as unfair restrictions on divorced fathers’ access to their children. Since then, the group behind the action, Fathers4Justice, has become a symbol for European fathers’ rights organizations and a broader range of social movements focused on masculinity, male identity, and men’s roles in society. Contrary to the common belief that such protests are unique to the UK, fathers’ organizations exist across almost all European countries. In Sweden, for instance, PappaBarn has been actively advocating for equal parenthood and fathers’ rights for almost two decades. Similar groups in other countries play a critical role in shaping public debates around fatherhood, masculinity, and gender equality. Many of these movements collaborate through European umbrella organizations like Colibri – European Platform for Joint Custody and the Platform for European Fathers. Despite the significance of these movements, there is surprisingly little comparative research on their European dimension. While feminist and LGBTQ movements have been extensively studied, men’s movements have not received the same attention. This project seeks to change that by conducting the first comprehensive study of European fathers’ rights organizations from national, comparative, and transnational perspectives.

Existing research (also mine) suggests that there may be several distinct types of fathers’ movements in Europe—a softer, more cooperative and more progressive line and a harder, more conservative one. Understanding these differences is essential for gaining a nuanced perspective on how these groups function and influence debates about fatherhood and gender equality. The study was conducted in multiple stages. First, a mapping of fathers’ groups and an internet-based fact-finding mission was carried out across all EU/EFTA countries. In the second stage, interviews with activists, and participant observations were conducted with representatives from Germany, Spain, and transnational organizations. This data has been analyzed using theories from gender studies, critical studies of men and masculinities, and social movement research.  Beyond its academic contribution, the project holds significant societal relevance. It provides valuable insights for policymakers in Europe, support efforts to improve gender equality, and offer practical recommendations for fathers’ movements activists and other gender-based social movements. In the end, this research aims to bring much-needed attention to a little-explored but important social phenomenon, helping to shape a more inclusive and equitable discussion on gender and parenthood across Europe.

Now, none of this academic adventure would be possible without the Emma Goldman Award I was fortunate enough to receive in 2023. Thanks to Flax Foundations members (and their impeccable judgment in funding me), I get to spend these months in beautiful  Cambridge. But let’s give credit where it’s really due: Reese Witherspoon, aka Elle Woods, whose iconic journey to Harvard in Legally Blonde inspired me to come here (not fully covered in pink, unfortunately, but almost). So next stop? The manicure salon.