Faith and Feeding the Family: Latter-day Saint Fathers and Foodwork

Abstract

This article examines fathers’ reported contributions to foodwork in Latter-day Saint families, where male-breadwinner and female-homemaker roles are culturally privileged. Data from 75 fathers suggests aspects of Mormon masculinity lead to more involvement with foodwork than might be expected in this cultural context. Fathers assumed the “helper” role of church doctrine but favored tasks like grocery shopping and taking families out to eat that mapped onto providing for the family, a key priesthood responsibility. Rather than reconfiguring “women's work” to render it more masculine (Deustch; Gvion; Mechling), fathers involved in foodwork traditionally coded as feminine, like home cooking, related it to caring as expressed in their priesthood roles as stewards of the family, another aspect of Mormon manhood. The ambiguity of the “helper” role and priesthood responsibility for success of the family allowed for flexibility in gender roles and promoted participation in foodwork by Latter-day Saint fathers.