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Making Fathers: Black Men’s Response to Fatherhood Initiatives

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Abstract

Policy makers are cognizant that ending welfare as we know it will not translate into the end of poverty among solo-mothering families. Thus, they have focused on promoting marriage and fatherhood among what are now termed “fragile families”. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experiences of Black men, who are among the targets of fatherhood and marriage promotion programs. To accomplish this goal, this exploratory study relies on a phenomenological approach. The value of employing this approach is that it is suitable for excavating and surfacing deep issues. More importantly, a phenomenological approach is key to giving voice to those who are often silenced and or rendered invisible in the policy making process. I employ in-depth interviews to help us better understand men’s lived experiences with fatherhood. In-depth interviews of participants and non-participants of fatherhood programs further our comprehension: on how Black men view the role of fathers; what obstacles are confronted that might prohibit these individuals from maintaining relationships with their children; and whether the promotion of paternal relations over content provides stability for these families. By centering the voices of these men, our theoretical understandings and our policy prescriptives would be enhanced.

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Notes

  1. Gavanas (2004) suggest that there are two distinct camps in what she conceptualizes as a fatherhood responsibility movement. One camp, the pro-marriage proponents as discussed by Gavanas, is made-up of a myriad of groups and tends to be dominated by white men. Included in this group would be the National Center for Fathering and the Institute for Responsible Fatherhood and Family Revitalization. Second are the Fragile Families groups that focus on the needs of poor communities, particularly communities of color. Included in this group are the Partners for Fragile Families. Central to fragile families groups is the employability of men which they argue is the foundation of responsible fatherhood.

  2. Although designed to determine men’s responses to fatherhood and marriage initiatives, in the interest of time and space, this paper focuses only on fatherhood promotion. It should also be noted that as part of the larger research project, I also interviewed administrators of various programs.

  3. To ensure anonymity, the names of the programs, participants of the study and any reference to co-parents have been changed.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the University of Kentucky—Center for Research on Poverty.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Political Science, Black Studies Program, Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI, 02918, USA

    Julia S. Jordan-Zachery

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  1. Julia S. Jordan-Zachery
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Correspondence to Julia S. Jordan-Zachery.

Appendix

Appendix

  1. A.

    Demographic Data Sheet

    1. 1.

      I would like to ask some questions about your education and work experience. What is the highest grade or year of regular school that you have completed?

    2. 2 (a).

      Are you currently employed?

    3. 2 (b).

      If No, when was the last time you worked?

    4. 3.

      How old are you?

    5. 4.

      Do you have any children?

    6. 5.

      Are you in a relationship with the father of this child?

    7. 6.

      How old are your children?

  2. B.

    Semi-Structured Interview of participants and non-participants of fatherhood and marriage promotion programs.

    1. 1.

      Tell me how you learned to parent.

    2. 2.

      How did you learn about relationships?

    3. 3.

      Fathers do many things for their children. Please tell me what you think is the most important thing a father can do for his child/children.

    4. 4.

      What are your thoughts on marriage?

    5. 5.

      What role should the man/woman play in a marriage?

    6. 6.

      Do you think that it is better for children if their parents are married?

    7. 7.

      For those participating in the program, how has your participation changed your relationship with your child/children and the other parent?

    8. 8.

      How stable is your family? Have you had to move often, not been able to provide food, or clothing?

    9. 9.

      Has your child experienced any disciplinary problems?

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Jordan-Zachery, J.S. Making Fathers: Black Men’s Response to Fatherhood Initiatives. J Afr Am St 13, 199–218 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-008-9085-y

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