The construction of fatherhood in prenatal courses for heterosexual couples

This thesis focuses on the area of prenatal preparation for men, who are seen as secondary in the area of parenthood. In spite of the still prevailing traditional gender division of roles in Czech family there are alternative forms, which give a chance not only for men, but also for women to choose between private and public sphere. For the purpose of this thesis a qualitative research of prenatal courses for heterosexual couples has been realized with the goal to understand and give a description of construction of fatherhood. The research focuses on the way of reproduction and discruption of gender stereotypes in connection with parenthood, especially fatherhood, and how men experience their new parental role - how they harmonize traditional and contemporary demands. Even though active fatherhood can not be considered as a prototype of western fatherhood, it is important to make it visible and speak about it, because the equal in the family is the first step for the equal status and opportunities for women and men in the public sphere