Citation

White AM. J. Black Psychol. 2006; 32(1): 43-71.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Association of Black Psychologists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0095798405283528

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study investigated father involvement among African American feminist fathers. Five interrelated parenting themes emerged from a narrative analysis of individual semistructured interviews that each father deemed important: (a) nurturance and emotional intimacy with children, (b) politically conscious parenting, (c) nonviolent discipline, (d) supportive social arrangements, and (e) open attitudes concerning who can parent a child. Each man's personal commitment to feminist principles reflected how his parenting went beyond wanting the best for his child and included what was best for women, African American communities, broad societal change, and the psychosocial development of African American men. The findings offer practical insights and recommendations for understanding the best practices of some African American fathers who connect with their children despite societal barriers.