A Fatheru27s Hands: African American Fathering Involvement and The Educational Outcomes of Their Children

摘要

Although there is a great deal of research on hegemonic masculinity, fathering involvement and a fatheru27s influence on his childrenu27s educational outcomes, little empirical research has linked these practices to African American fathers. Because they are typically depicted as ineffective, irresponsible and non-present, African American fathers who are involved in their childrenu27s lives must do so in ways that affirm their identity, ways that are contrary to the common social conceptions and media representations of Black men. Using the framework of hegemonic masculinity, this study examined how the increase of women in the workforce translates to both the amount of time an African American father spends with his children and what he does as an involved father in regards to his childrenu27s positive educational outcomes. Data were collected from African American fathers or African American stepfathers between the ages of 18 and 52 using 9 semi-structured interviews, 6 video clip reflections and 7 observational sessions. The results overwhelmingly contradict the image of African American fathers as irresponsible and uninvolved fathers As well as shed new insights into fathering involvement.