A new survey on dads found that 9 out of 10 had a surprising reaction to fatherhood

A New Survey on Dads Reveals Shifting Roles and Hidden Joys

A new survey on dads found - When Naseer, the son of Ajas Ahmed, entered the world in May 2025, it marked a profound shift in the family dynamic. For years, Ahmed and his wife had shared responsibilities as a cohesive unit, but the birth of their child exposed a new challenge: the overwhelming weight of fatherhood. The experience left Ahmed feeling uncharacteristically vulnerable, a sentiment he hadn’t anticipated.

The Weight of a Breech Birth

Ahmed’s wife endured a harrowing labor, compounded by the baby’s breech position. The ordeal stretched for over ten hours, during which she faced intense pain and uncertainty. For a week, she remained confined to a hospital bed in Chennai, southern India, recovering from the delivery. Ahmed, then 27, became her constant companion, taking on the role of a supportive partner despite his own career as a private chauffeur. His employer’s leniency allowed him to dedicate time to her needs, but the emotional toll of the situation had already begun reshaping his perspective on parenthood.

"She needed my support. I made sure I was there for her," Ahmed reflects. His statement underscores the delicate balance of care and duty that defines modern fatherhood. While the immediate crisis passed, the long-term implications of his new role lingered, setting the stage for a deeper transformation in his life.

From Ambulance Driver to Family Caregiver

Before Naseer’s arrival, Ahmed had already experienced a similar transition. After his daughter was born three years earlier, he stepped down from his job as an ambulance driver, citing the relentless demands of the profession. The hours were long, and the pressure was immense, leaving little room for family time. He sought a vocation that would grant him flexibility, enabling him to be present for his child in ways his own father’s generation may not have anticipated.

The 2026 State of the World’s Fathers report, which highlights this evolving role, identifies a persistent cultural narrative: men are expected to be the primary providers, with caregiving responsibilities often relegated to women. However, the findings reveal a more nuanced reality. According to the study, many fathers are actively engaging in childcare, especially in families with fewer children. The researchers’ analysis of over 5,000 interviews uncovered an unexpected truth — the emotional labor of parenting, though taxing, is a source of profound fulfillment for most men.

Gender Equality in the Making

Among the report’s key takeaways is the realization that fathers are increasingly redefining their place in the family. Taveeshi Gupta, a lead author of the study, notes that nine out of ten fathers interviewed expressed a deep sense of happiness derived from caring for their children. "We didn’t see that one coming," says Gupta, who emphasizes the survey’s confirmation of a growing cultural shift.

"A lot of our messaging has been: Men, you must do more," explains Gary Barker, CEO of Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice. "But perhaps it came with a scolding — from a feminist perspective, because women’s time poverty is real, and we did need to push men to take on their fair share. Yet the report reaffirmed what we’ve long believed: parenting is not just a duty, but a meaningful part of life."

Barker’s comments highlight a broader movement in India, where traditional gender roles are being challenged. The survey’s data shows that younger and older fathers often skew toward conventional expectations, but the younger generation is increasingly embracing the idea of shared responsibility. For those who take on hands-on parenting, the journey is marked by both uncertainty and reward.

Consider the case of Dr. Nilay Mahajan, a 36-year-old orthopedic surgeon in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Since welcoming his daughter, Tarini, in February, Mahajan has noticed a significant shift in his priorities. "The moment you hold your baby in your arms, your brain wiring changes. So do your priorities," he says, describing how fatherhood has fostered a new level of empathy, particularly in his interactions with pediatric patients.

"Whenever I’m home, I try to be present in the moment — to hold, rock, and feed her," Mahajan adds. His wife, Dr. Charu Srivastava, a gynecologist with a demanding schedule, has become a key collaborator in this shared endeavor. "I’m the diaper man," Mahajan jokes, a playful nod to the practical tasks he now manages. From nighttime feedings to brief moments between surgeries, the couple has found ways to balance their professional and personal lives.

Mahajan’s approach reflects a broader trend in Indian parenting. As more women pursue careers, men are becoming more aware of the need to contribute to domestic and caregiving duties. However, this shift isn’t without its challenges. "Ideally, raising a child should never be a single person’s responsibility," Mahajan asserts. "It’s just too draining otherwise."

A Generation’s Diverging Paths

Despite this progress, the report acknowledges that generational divides remain. For younger men like Mahajan, the transition to a more involved fatherhood is a conscious choice, while older men may still grapple with traditional expectations. Barker’s personal reflection on his own experience as a part-time stay-at-home dad 28 years ago offers insight into this duality.

"When I was a part-time stay-at-home dad, the world looked at me in two ways," Barker says. "Either I got special credit for being a competent caregiver — as if a man doing this was a superhero — or I was seen as incompetent or invisible because men don’t really do this work. It was a balancing act of praise and skepticism, and now it feels like the tide is turning."

The report’s findings suggest that men are not only taking on caregiving roles but also reaping emotional benefits. While the journey can be fraught with stress, the sense of purpose it brings is transformative. For many, fatherhood is no longer just a role — it’s a cornerstone of personal fulfillment.

Reimagining Fatherhood in a Changing Society

India’s patriarchal traditions have long dictated that men are the breadwinners, with women managing the household. But the data from the survey reveals a subtle but significant shift. Mahajan’s upbringing, for instance, followed this model: his father, a neurosurgeon with a rigorous schedule, left most parenting duties to his mother. "Growing up, I saw my mother carry the weight of both work and family," Mahajan admits. "I want something different for my daughter. I don’t want Tarini to inherit the same unspoken expectations."

As the report emphasizes, the emotional rewards of caregiving often outweigh the challenges. Fathers like Ahmed and Mahajan are proving that hands-on involvement in child-rearing can be both demanding and deeply satisfying. Their stories, while unique, share a common thread: the redefinition of masculinity in the context of modern family life.

India’s evolving cultural landscape is now a breeding ground for this transformation. With more women entering the workforce and societal attitudes shifting, men are increasingly seeing themselves as partners in the parenting process. The survey’s authors argue that this change is not just about equality — it’s about creating a more sustainable and joyful family structure.

A Call to Redefine Expectations

While the survey paints an optimistic picture, it also highlights the ongoing struggle to break free from outdated norms. "We still have a long way to go," Gupta acknowledges. "But the data shows that men are beginning to embrace the idea that caregiving is a vital part of their identity. It’s a gradual process, but one that’s gaining momentum."

For fathers navigating this