Fathers: the ‘invisible’ parents;
Saracho & Spodek (2008)
University of Maryland, USA; University of Illinois, USA
CLICK HERE FOR RESEARCH: This study shows how academics ignore direct involvement with fathers in both traditional and contemporary research:
"...studies have used mothers as the primary source of information about fathers.........”
The authors suggest that children benefit from the natural roles played by a father, such as:
● Communication (listening, talking, showing love);
● Teaching (role modeling, encouraging activities and interests);
● Monitoring (friends, homework);
● Cognitive processes (worrying, planning, praying);
● Errands; Caregiving (feeding, bathing);
● Shared interests (reading together);
● Availability;
● Planning (activities, birthdays);
● Shared activities (shopping, playing together);
● Providing (food, clothing);
● Affection; Protection; and
● Supporting emotionality (encouraging the child).
Saracho and Spodek leave a concluding message for researchers which could be better heeded in the UK:
“Researchers need to evaluate their biases to avoid erroneous perceptions and misleading conceptions. They need to be sensitive and protect their studies from such assumptions and errors. They need to consider methodological and conceptual challenges to obtain an interpretive perspective and a better understanding of fathers’ perceptions of other family members and the contributions and the general expectations that make up good fathering.”
Saracho & Spodek (2008)
University of Maryland, USA; University of Illinois, USA
CLICK HERE FOR RESEARCH: This study shows how academics ignore direct involvement with fathers in both traditional and contemporary research:
"...studies have used mothers as the primary source of information about fathers.........”
The authors suggest that children benefit from the natural roles played by a father, such as:
● Communication (listening, talking, showing love);
● Teaching (role modeling, encouraging activities and interests);
● Monitoring (friends, homework);
● Cognitive processes (worrying, planning, praying);
● Errands; Caregiving (feeding, bathing);
● Shared interests (reading together);
● Availability;
● Planning (activities, birthdays);
● Shared activities (shopping, playing together);
● Providing (food, clothing);
● Affection; Protection; and
● Supporting emotionality (encouraging the child).
Saracho and Spodek leave a concluding message for researchers which could be better heeded in the UK:
“Researchers need to evaluate their biases to avoid erroneous perceptions and misleading conceptions. They need to be sensitive and protect their studies from such assumptions and errors. They need to consider methodological and conceptual challenges to obtain an interpretive perspective and a better understanding of fathers’ perceptions of other family members and the contributions and the general expectations that make up good fathering.”
