South Africa has a high number of unmarried and absentee fathers which includes young unmarried fathers. A number of factors have contributed to this phenomenon. For example, apartheid policies such as the migrant labour system has impacted on family structure. In addition, legislation which did not give any unmarried fathers automatic responsibilities and rights in respect of their children may have contributed towards the rate of absentee fathers. The new Children’s Act, which came into force in 2010 now provides for automatic responsibilities and rights for unmarried fathers who meet certain criteria. Unmarried fathers who have consented to be identified as the father and who have paid maintenance and cultural damages may now automatically acquire parental responsibilities and rights. This has the potential to significantly influence father-child relationships
This research is based on a qualitative research study focussing on young unmarried fathers’ experiences and perceptions of fatherhood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine fathers in KwaZulu-Natal. The participants had a total of fifteen children, four of whom lived with their fathers and paternal families. Findings indicated that high unemployment, non-payment of maintenance and cultural damages, and disputes with mothers and maternal families impacted significantly on father-child contact. All the participants wished to be more involved with their children and their conception of fatherhood extended beyond being just a provider to more nurturing roles.
Keywords: young unmarried fathers, perceptions of fatherhood, experiences of fatherhood
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Chapter 3: Research Methodology
- Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion
- Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations
- Acknowledgements
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of young, unmarried fathers (aged 18-29) residing in the Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality of South Africa. It seeks to understand their relationships with their children, the factors influencing father-child contact and involvement, and their views on fatherhood. The research utilizes a qualitative, interpretive approach, employing semi-structured interviews with nine participants.
- Young unmarried fathers' relationships with their children.
- Factors influencing father-child contact and involvement (e.g., cultural issues, unemployment).
- Young unmarried fathers' views of fatherhood and its social constructs.
- The impact of socio-economic factors on fatherhood.
- Potential implications for social work services, legislation, and policy.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter introduces the research problem focusing on the high number of unmarried and absentee fathers in South Africa, particularly among young men. It highlights the historical and legislative factors contributing to this issue, including the impact of apartheid's migrant labor system and the previous lack of automatic parental rights for unmarried fathers. The chapter then introduces the study's aim to explore the experiences and perceptions of young unmarried fathers in the Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality, outlining the research questions and methodology.
Chapter 2: Literature Review: This chapter would likely review existing literature on fatherhood, particularly focusing on the experiences of young, unmarried fathers. It would explore relevant theories, such as social constructionism (mentioned in the abstract), and examine previous research on the factors influencing father-child relationships in similar contexts. The literature review would provide a theoretical framework for understanding the research questions and interpreting the findings.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology: This chapter details the research design, outlining the chosen qualitative, interpretive approach. It would describe the data collection methods (semi-structured interviews), the sampling strategy (purposive sampling of nine participants), and the data analysis techniques used to interpret the interview data. Ethical considerations and potential limitations of the study would also be addressed.
Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion: This chapter presents the findings from the interviews with the nine young, unmarried fathers. It would systematically analyze their experiences and perceptions of fatherhood, examining their relationships with their children, the factors affecting their involvement, and their views on their role as fathers. The chapter would likely discuss themes such as the importance of financial provision, emotional availability, and the desire for co-residence with their children. The influence of cultural factors (like damage payments) and unemployment would also be explored, linking them back to the literature review and theoretical framework.
Keywords
Young unmarried fathers, perceptions of fatherhood, experiences of fatherhood, South Africa, Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality, father-child relationships, social constructionism, qualitative research, teenage pregnancy, child maintenance, unemployment, cultural factors.
Frequently Asked Questions about: A Study on Young Unmarried Fathers in South Africa
What is the focus of this study?
This study explores the experiences and perceptions of young, unmarried fathers (aged 18-29) residing in the Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality of South Africa. It investigates their relationships with their children, the factors influencing father-child contact and involvement, and their views on fatherhood.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The research employs a qualitative, interpretive approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with nine participants. A purposive sampling strategy was used. The data analysis involved interpreting the interview data to identify key themes.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include young unmarried fathers' relationships with their children; factors influencing father-child contact and involvement (e.g., cultural issues, unemployment); young unmarried fathers' views of fatherhood and its social constructs; the impact of socio-economic factors on fatherhood; and potential implications for social work services, legislation, and policy.
What are the main chapters of the study?
The study is organized into five chapters: an introduction, a literature review, a description of the research methodology, a presentation of findings and discussion, and a conclusion with recommendations. It also includes an abstract and acknowledgements.
What is covered in the introduction chapter?
The introduction sets the stage by highlighting the high number of unmarried and absentee fathers in South Africa, particularly among young men. It discusses historical and legislative factors contributing to this issue and outlines the study's aim, research questions, and methodology.
What does the literature review chapter entail?
The literature review chapter examines existing research on fatherhood, focusing on the experiences of young, unmarried fathers. It explores relevant theories, such as social constructionism, and provides a theoretical framework for interpreting the findings.
What details are provided in the methodology chapter?
The methodology chapter details the qualitative, interpretive research design, data collection methods (semi-structured interviews), sampling strategy, and data analysis techniques. Ethical considerations and limitations of the study are also addressed.
What are the key findings and how are they discussed?
The findings chapter presents and analyzes the interview data from the nine participants, examining their experiences and perceptions of fatherhood, their relationships with their children, factors influencing their involvement, and their views on their role as fathers. Themes such as financial provision, emotional availability, co-residence, cultural factors, and unemployment are discussed.
What keywords are associated with this study?
Keywords include: Young unmarried fathers, perceptions of fatherhood, experiences of fatherhood, South Africa, Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality, father-child relationships, social constructionism, qualitative research, teenage pregnancy, child maintenance, unemployment, cultural factors.
What are the potential implications of this research?
The study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the experiences of young unmarried fathers in South Africa. The findings have potential implications for social work services, legislation, and policy related to fatherhood, child support, and family well-being.
- Quote paper
- Thembelihle Makhanya (Author), 2016, Young unmarried fathers in the Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/421080
