Young unmarried fathers’ experiences and perceptions of fatherhood

• Main Authors: Makhanya, Thembelihle, Matthias, Carmel
• Format: Article
• Language: Afrikaans
• Published: Stellenbosch University 2018-07-01
• Series: Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk
• Subjects: Young unmarried fathers; experiences and perceptions of fatherhood; father-child contact
• Online Access: http://socialwork.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/636

This article is based on a qualitative research study focusing on young unmarried fathers’ experiences and perceptions of fatherhood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine fathers in KwaZulu-Natal. The participants had a total of fifteen children, four of whom lived with their fathers and paternal families. Findings indicated that high unemployment, non-payment of maintenance and cultural damages, and disputes with mothers and maternal families impacted significantly on father-child contact. All the participants wished to be more involved with their children and their conception of fatherhood extended beyond being just a provider to more nurturing roles.