‘Becoming a father’: perspectives and experiences of young men in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study explores the perspectives and experiences of early fatherhood among university students in Durban. The in-depth interviews with young fathers revealed that all the young fathers who participated in this study had not intended or planned to have children, and were therefore not ready to become fathers when their partners told them that they were pregnant. Young fathers in the study wanted to assume financial responsibility for their children but they were finding it difficult because they were faced with numerous obstacles. Their failure to pay damages to their partners’ families restricted their interactions with their children. The young fathers explained the difficulty they face in their daily lives and their new roles as fathers impacted negatively on their education. Moreover, there was a feeling of inadequacy and dissatisfaction among young fathers because of hindrances that prevent them from executing their roles of fatherhood effectively. This study suggests a need to better understand the range of perspectives and experiences of fathers and young fathers in particular.