The paper focuses on the constructions of the phrase-'an ideal father'-by integrating findings from six different qualitative studies. Out of these six studies, five are from the city of Baroda while one is from Mumbai, both cities in western India. The total sample included 175 fathers, 50 mothers and 120 children. The studies used semistructured interviews to elicit data from fathers and mothers about 'who is an ideal father'? The study also sought children's notions in the form of responses to open-ended statements. The data was analysed using themes from the generative-fathering framework (Dollahite, 2002;Dollahite and Hawkins, 1997). The results revealed that fathers were most influenced by their own parents in their ideals, followed by close relatives and other sources such as the media, mythology, friends and their respective spiritual gurus. The discussion focuses on understanding the results in terms of change and continuity in fatherhood ideals as well as the use of a generative framework for research on fatherhood.

The main objectives of this study were to explore how fathers of children with cerebral palsy see their own role as fathers and to identify what fathers think has influenced them in the role-making process. It was hoped that this study would provide a better understanding of how fathers view their role, to the various professionals working and providing support to the families of the children with disability. This understanding would then enable professionals to involve fathers in more meaningful ways while rendering their professional services. The study results show that fathers show empathy towards their children with disabilities, and find creative solutions to deal with problems related to the disability. Parents find books and information about the disability to be very helpful.KEY WORDS: father roles; child with cerebral palsy; fatherhood; child care role.The academic literature on fatherhood spans about two to three decades (Marsiglio, 1995). Prior to that, research focused on mothers and their influence on children. In India too, the research focussing on fathers per se is scarce. The need for research in this area has been expressed (Singhi, Singhi & Malhi, 1999), but not followed up. This paper is based on a research study conducted with fathers of children with cerebral palsy. In this study the father's thoughts, feelings and ideas about fathering in general and fathering a child with cerebral palsy in particular are expressed.The main objectives of this study were to explore how fathers of children with cerebral palsy see their own role as fathers and to identify what fathers think has influenced them in the role-making process. It was hoped that this study

No abstract

No abstract