The Need for Fathers as Role Models to Aid Family and Social Cohesion in Resource-Constrained Contexts

The impact of parents on their children, especially in the developmental years, must not be undermined. Each parent influences a child separately and in different ways, which may have long-lasting effects on adulthood. Paternal involvement in children’s lives plays a different but crucial role that...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of family strengths 2023-03, Vol.23 (2)
Main Authors: Balogun, Tolulope Victoria, Nyathi, Leoba, October, Kezia, Skhuni, Athandiwe, Roman, Nicolette V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child development
Child poverty
Children
Families & family life
Family roles
Fathers
Germanic languages
Parent participation
Parents & parenting
Role models
Social cohesion
Unemployment
Youth employment
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Summary:The impact of parents on their children, especially in the developmental years, must not be undermined. Each parent influences a child separately and in different ways, which may have long-lasting effects on adulthood. Paternal involvement in children’s lives plays a different but crucial role that leads to improved behavioural and psychosocial outcomes. This study identifies and explores the need for fathers as role models to aid family and social cohesion in resource-constrained contexts. Individuals older than 18 years were interviewed from four different communities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Interviews were conducted in English, Afrikaans, and IsiXhosa depending on the preference of the interviewee. Using a purposive sampling qualitative approach, data were obtained through in-depth interviews with parents and stakeholders. A relationship was found between unemployment, poverty, and a father’s involvement in a child's upbringing. This work offers practical approaches to help understand the role of fathers in advancing social cohesion in terms of children’s development and future outcomes.Key Take Away Points [list] [list_item] The absence of fathers in the community as protectors and guardians of the youth. [/list_item] [list_item] Unemployment limiting financial provision. [/list_item] [list_item] Need for fathers’ financial provision for material needs for their children. [/list_item] [list_item] Role modelling/motivation by fathers. [/list_item] [/list]
ISSN:2168-670X
2168-670X
DOI:10.58464/2168-670X.1468