A comparative study of fathers' thoughts about fatherhood in the USA and Japan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine American and Japanese fathers' perspectives of fathering. The participants consisted of 25 American and 25 Japanese fathers. The data came from written responses of American and Japanese fathers. Qualitative analysis of the data yielded the following three themes: family structure and its influences, involvement with children and childrearing goals. These fathers described similar perspectives regarding fathering, and they were influenced by their own fathers' childrearing practices. American participants had more divorced parents than their Japanese counterparts, and they had less involvement with their own fathers during childhood, while all Japanese participants had both parents and had involved fathers. American participants considered fathers as persons who balance love and discipline, while Japanese participants viewed fathers should share childrearing with their wives. American men wanted to know how to help with children's spiritual development, while Japanese men desired to acquire childrearing skills.

Psychosocial and economic challenges faced by young fathers in assuming parental responsibilities in South African communities

“…Fathers encounter various challenges in fathering their children. This was supported by Okeke, Ugwuanyi and Mufutau (2020) who postulated that fathering proves to be a discreet journey for many fathers as they tend to emulate how they were fathered (Ito, & Izumi-Taylor, 2013). However, some young fathers find themselves not knowing how to father their children because they grew up without a father (Matlakala, Makhubele & Mashilo, 2018).…”

“…Additionally, Tau (2020) aver that children especially boys who grow up without fathers are not fostered and well equipped with manhood instructions as there are roles that require male figure teachings. Again, Ito and Izumi-Taylor (2013) averred that children who grew up without father's struggle to father their children because they were not fathered themselves. For instance, if a child grows in an impassive environment such as lacking a father as a provider, they may not understand what it means to socialise their children when old.…”