"Just be There for Them": Perceptions of Fathering Among Single, Low-Income Men

Keywords

fathering, role modeling, low income, single parents

Abstract

Using an interpretive life course perspective, we explore how men define their role as fathers based on experiences with their own fathers in the past. Based on qualitative interview data collected from thirty-six low-income fathers, we consider men's relationships with their own fathers in terms of residence and affective evaluations. Our investigation reveals how men negotiate the demands of fatherhood in light of economic constraints and the absence of marriage, focusing on fathering role models and men's perceptions of fathering roles. Overall, men not close to their fathers defined fathering primarily in terms of the breadwinner role as opposed to the nurturing role, which was more apparent in the narratives of men close to their fathers.

Original Publication Citation

Forste, Renata, John P. Bartkowski, & Rebecca AllenJackson. 2009(Winter). “’Just Be ThereFor Them’: Perceptions of Fathering among Single, Low-income Men.” Fathering, 7(1):49-69

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2009-11

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5610

Publisher

Fathering

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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