A frequently quoted phrase from young men about the most important thing regarding fatherhood is expressed as 'being there', Le. being available and accessible for their children especially when their children need them. However, what repeatedly happens with young fathers is that they are separated from, and do not have access to, their children. The purpose of this study was to explore young fathers' perceptions of their experiences as parents and to consider the ways in which they are prevented from fully engaging in this role. A group of young fathers took part in this qualitative study which was informed and underpinned by the theoretical perspective of Symbolic Interactionism. Photography was employed as a medium to assist the initial non-directive, open interviews. This process uncovered themes which were explored in semistructured interviews. This thesis uses Giddens' Structuration theory to investigate the recursive relationship between an individual's agency and the influence of social structures on paternal involvement. The young fathers in this research described recurrent experiences of social exclusion. These repeated experiences revealed a pattern, or cycle, of exclusion which was found to impact on subsequent relationships and their ability to interact with others. The respondents identified that becoming a father could be a turning point in their lives in which they .could break their cycle of exclusion. However, exclusion experienced as a result of becoming a father continued and reinforced that pattern. The cycle of exclusion identified in the lives of these young men appears to playa formative role in their capacity for paternal involvement. It is linked to an external locus of control which in turn impacts negatively on their social inclusion and their ability to become involved fathers. Poor interaction between young fathers and social support is compounded and exacerbated by low expectations and previous negative experience from young fathers and those who interact with them.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:491180 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Osborn, Mark |
| Publisher | Anglia Ruskin University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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