53 STUDIA HUMANISTYCZNE AGH Tom 14/2 • 2015 http://dx.doi.org/10.7494/human.2015.14.2.53 Elli Scambor* Institut für Männer- und Geschlechterforschung Geschäftsleitung Majda Hrženjak Mirovni Inštitut Nadja Bergmann L&R Sozialforschung Øystein Gullvåg Holter University of Oslo MEN’S SHARE OF CARE FOR CHILDREN AND PROFESSIONAL CARE The Study on the Role of Men in Gender Equality (2011–2012) shows a remarkable change in men’s partici- pation in care for children and domestic work in certain parts of Europe. Especially in Northern countries of Europe, men became more involved in care-giving roles between 2005 and 2010 while in the same period of time, decreases in the men’s share were reported, especially from some Southern and Post-socialist countries with low share rates. On the other hand, there has been a growing under-representation of men in professional care work. Data indicate that in the past decade this already heavily feminised sector has experienced a further decline in the participation of men. Based on intersectional analysis, the paper discusses the most relevant factors associated with men’s larger involvement in care for children and professional care. The variation of men’s share runs both between and within countries, with socio-economic position as one important variable. Keywords: caring masculinity, gender equality, care for children, professional care, Europe INTRODUCTION Women’s increasing participation in the labour market, the consequent erosion of the “male breadwinner/female caretaker” model and increasing support for gender equal norms * Corresponding author: Elli Scambor, Institut für Männer- und Geschlechterforschung Geschäftsleitung, Diet- richsteinplatz 15/8A, 8010 Graz; e-mail: scambore@genderforschung.at.