Making Fathers: Black Men’s Response to Fatherhood Initiatives

Abstract

Policy makers are cognizant that ending welfare as we know it will not translate into the end of poverty among solo-mothering families. Thus, they have focused on promoting marriage and fatherhood among what are now termed "fragile families". The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experiences of Black men, who are among the targets of fatherhood and marriage promotion programs. To accomplish this goal, this exploratory study relies on a phenomenological approach. The value of employing this approach is that it is suitable for excavating and surfacing deep issues. More importantly, a phenomenological approach is key to giving voice to those who are often silenced and or rendered invisible in the policy making process. I employ in-depth interviews to help us better understand men's lived experiences with fatherhood. In-depth interviews of participants and nonparticipants of fatherhood programs further our comprehension: on how Black men view the role of fathers; what obstacles are confronted that might prohibit these individuals from maintaining relationships with their children; and whether the promotion of paternal relations over content provides stability for these families. By centering the voices of these men, our theoretical understandings and our policy prescriptives would be enhanced.

Decent Daddy, Imperfect Daddy: Black Male Rap Artists’ Views of Fatherhood and the Family

“…Moreover, these findings challenge the one-dimensional representation of rap artists as derelict, uncaring, and dysfunctional parental figures. In many ways they are similar to noncustodial fathers discussed in previous research (Coles 2009;Edin et al 2009;Jordan-Zachery 2009;Parker and Maggard 2009;Reynolds 2009;Richardson 2009;Sarkisian 2007;Smith et al 2005). Generally speaking, they held positive views of the idea of the family and their family role.…”

“…This work complements previous qualitative and quantitative work that directly explored the perspectives of custodial and non-custodial fathers by examining another venue where Black male voices predominate: rap music (Coles 2009;Edin et al 2009;Jordan-Zachery 2009;Parker and Maggard 2009;Reynolds 2009;Richardson 2009;Sarkisian 2007;Smith et al 2005). It also further develops analyses in the realm of hip hop research that explores how Black males rhyme about their mothers, "baby mamas," fatherhood, and the family in general.…”

“…Moreover, mothers may not challenge their sons to an uncomfortable level. Research has shown that if not the estranged father, then mothers rely on their own brothers, uncles, or other male figures to discipline and provide guidance for their children (Jordan-Zachery 2009;Reynolds 2009;Richardson 2009). One of the implications of this research is that Black males may carry "motherly" expectations into relationships with lovers, as manifested in the rhymes of their.…”

“…However, these views and studies fail to incorporate the voices of Black male non-custodial fathers themselves (Edin et al 2009;Jordan-Zachery 2009;Reynolds 2009). Extant literature on the state of the Black family has addressed this gap, directly interviewing Black male non-custodial fathers.…”

“…Yet, when supposed absentee fathers are interviewed, research reveals that these individuals believe they face a particular set of impediments to fathering, such as interacting with the biological mother of their children. Moreover, many attempt as best they can to interact and raise their children despite such barriers (Edin et al 2009;Jordan-Zachery 2009;Reynolds 2009;Smith et al 2005).…”