Conceptions and Experiences of Paternal Involvement among Quebec Fathers: A Dual Parental Experience

Abstract

In Quebec, social changes have reshaped family roles and social expectations for fathers. This article examines Quebec fathers’ conceptions of their paternal role and their experience of paternal involvement. Twenty-six fathers (n = 26) participated in five group interviews. Thematic analysis of their discourse shows that their paternal experience is rooted in various conceptions of the paternal role. Many issues are experienced as dualities: the complexity of inventing a paternal role without having models, being present with their child while being providers, recognizing themselves as fathers despite lack of recognition from family or social circles, and wanting to take action with their child yet being unable to do so. The importance assigned to paternal involvement by fathers in this study shows their desire to develop and maintain paternal engagement during the preschool period, and it highlights the necessity of adapting family services to better support fathers through the transition to fatherhood.

Gender Differences in Medication Adverse Effects Experienced by People Living With Chronic Pain

“…There has been in the last 4 decades a rapid evolution in terms of women's emancipation, their role in the workforce and high levels of decision-making ( 32 – 34 ). The involvement of men in traditionally feminine roles such as childcare and household management is also increasingly valued ( 35 , 36 ).…”

Fathering Here, Fathering There… A Phenomenological Study of the Impact of Forced Migration and Resettlement on Syrian Refugee Fathers in Canada

“…Despite advances in understanding the importance of fathers for the wellbeing of their spouses and children (World Health Organization, 2015; Lamb, 2010), fathers remain underrepresented in the parenting and family literature and continue to be considered less central to family life than mothers (Gervais et al, 2021; Panter-Brick et al, 2014). This holds especially true of immigrant and refugee fathers (Este & Tachble, 2009; Papadopoulos & Gionakis, 2018).…”