Abstract
A qualitative exploratory-descriptive inquiry was undertaken to gain insight into the experiences of young African women raised in families with absent fathers. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to procure a sample comprising 14 women aged 24 to 41 years. Data were collected through online guiding open-ended questions. The findings suggest that participants have emerged from their experiences as victorious, strong, assertive, empowered and self-reliant individuals whose lives were shaped by their maternal extended families. However, further insight into the manifestation of such attributes in their intimate heterosexual relationships is required to gain insight into their construction of relationships with men.
Highlights
The word ‘father’ conjures up different images to a child, such as that of a strong man who will love, protect and provide for her needs
In South Africa many children are raised without fathers (Meintjies & Hall, 2010:80), while in the United States (USA), “[t]he large proportion of children who grow up in single-parent families is widely regarded as a major social problem” (Lang & Zagorsky, 2001:254)
McLanahan and Schwartz (2002:37) posit that about one-fifth of all children born in the USA will never live with their fathers
Summary
The word ‘father’ conjures up different images to a child, such as that of a strong man who will love, protect and provide for her needs. Fathers are viewed as providers, protectors of their wives and children (Clare, 2000:184-185; Marsiglio & Pleck, 2005:256), role models for their children and contributors to their general wellbeing, especially during the girls’ development (Lopez & Corona, 2012:718). McLanahan and Schwartz (2002:37) posit that about one-fifth of all children born in the USA will never live with their fathers. Such magnitude of father absence could have serious repercussions on the development of a country in relation to education, health services and social services. This article should not be misconstrued as an attempt to promote the patriarchal nuclear family as a preferred structure to enhance children’s emotional, social, physical and economic outcomes (Perlesz, 2005:25)
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