Anticipating the Division of Labour during the Transition To Coparenthood: A cross-national Qualitative Study

The transition to coparenthood begins even before the birth of the first child and involves developing expectations and meanings that can shape the initiation into parenthood. One crucial aspect of this transition is the anticipated division of labor and childcare between partners. The present study aimed to examine how expectant parents envision sharing caregiving, domestic, and paid labor responsibilities. Using a cross-national qualitative design, we identified and compared factors that might facilitate or hinder egalitarian divisions during the transition to parenthood. As part of an international consortium, we analyzed a total of 180 individual semi-structured interviews with people expecting their first child, 30 mothers-to-be and 30 fathers-to-be in each of three countries: Portugal, Finland, and Japan. We analyzed the interviews using an iterative, reflexive thematic analysis that accounted for both cross-country similarities and differences. Five main influences emerged in shaping the expected division of labor and childcare: personal characteristics, gender role attitudes, perceptions of fairness, extended family support, and work-care arrangements (including parental leave). Participants across all three countries generally voiced support for gender equality; however, cultural norms and policy contexts led many to anticipate temporarily gendered divisions (especially mothers as primary caregivers) following the birth, particularly in Japan and, to a lesser extent in Portugal. Overall, the findings highlight how personal, contextual, and societal factors jointly inform couples’ expectations for sharing responsibilities as they enter parenthood. Expectant parents recognise that personal traits (health, preferences, complementarity) shape parental roles across countries. Found discrepancies between expressed and implicit expectations. Expressed preferences reflect gender roles and societal norms. Finnish parents openly emphasize gender equality as the foundation for task division in their future roles. Portuguese and Japanese parents express a desire for gender equality but often retain traditional expectations. Contextual factors like extended family support and work conditions are strongly emphasized by expectant parents.