Social contact, efficacy and support amongst Australian fathers

Abstract

Recent findings that partnered and single fathers have less social contact than nearly all other types of men and women (Patulny, 2011) suggest that fatherhood brings the risk of a loss in men’s social networks. This in turn risks a significant reduction in social support, particularly amongst men who separate and lose the bonding social capital resources of their female partners (Emerick, 2006). This paper examines social contact, efficacy and support amongst separated and partnered men and fathers using the 2006 Australian Bureau of Statistics’ General Social Survey. Results show that fatherhood is not associated with any loss in social contact and support amongst married or de facto men. However, amongst separated men, fatherhood is associated with greater social contact, but less social support and efficacy in decision-making related to family and friends. The paper concludes that separated fathers feel less supported and empowered than partnered fathers, partnered mothers, or separated mothers; that this is potentially detrimental to their wellbeing and mental health; and that social engagement policies for men should be expanded with a greater focus on recently separated fathers.