Abstract
This study explores fathering among self identified Native American men who have been identified as father or father figure to children involved in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. This research study highlights United States policies and their effects on Native American families particularly fathers. In addition, Native American fathers in this study reported that “being there” for their child was important and described how the manifestation of being there ranged from traditional to contemporary models of fathering. The article concludes with a discussion of specific issues that are important when working with Native fathers that may be of interest to social workers and social service practitioners.
Highlights
There is a growing interest in the role of fathers and fathering in America
The data were coded, discussed, separated into categories, and further discussed as to the distinctiveness and difference of the categories. This Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (EHSREP) qualitative study included participating Native fathers and their responses to six open-ended questions regarding their experiences as fathers
The results of this study indicate that Native fathers feel strongly that it is important to be “present” in addition to “being there” in the lives of their children
Summary
There is a growing interest in the role of fathers and fathering in America. One could argue that fathering has become a contemporary social, as well as political, issue. This awareness is supported by an increased number of grassroots organizations supporting fathers, research in this area of scholarship, and the more visible, active roles fathers are taking with their children today. The study of fathering is important, given that research continues to indicate that fathers have a significant impact upon the lives of young children. Very little has been written or studied about fathering in some communities of color. This article uses qualitative data from the National Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (EHSREP) to explore Native men and their perceptions of fatherhood
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