The Perceptions of Mexican-American Men as Fathers

This qualitative study explores the lived experience of self-identified Mexican men as fathers. The sample consists of 47 biological fathers of children residing in Denver, Colorado, all whom are participating in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. The data suggests that these f...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jeffrey Shears, Rich Furman, Nalini Junko Negi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Indiana University School of Social Work 2007-12-01
Series:Advances in Social Work
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsocialwork/article/view/212
Description
Summary:This qualitative study explores the lived experience of self-identified Mexican men as fathers. The sample consists of 47 biological fathers of children residing in Denver, Colorado, all whom are participating in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. The data suggests that these fathers engaged in traditionally conceptualized fathering roles. These men expressed the importance of being there, teaching, meeting the child’s needs, being a role model, offering emotional support, and giving affection and love. The fathers reported taking more responsibility, decreasing substance use, and limiting their leisure activities as a result of becoming a parent. The results suggest that, fathering in and of itself, may create resiliency and may have powerful positive influences on the lives of fathers.
ISSN:1527-8565
2331-4125