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Exploring the Absent/Present Dilemma: Black Fathers, Family Relationships, and Social Capital in Britain

Author

Listed:
  • Tracey Reynolds

    (Families and Social Capital Research Group, London South Bank University, United Kingdom)

Abstract

Stereotypes show nonresident black fathers as absentee parents. In this article, the author presents a critique of the various ways the literature constructs nonresident black fathers as absent from parenting and family relationships. Drawing on the empirical data collected from two qualitative studies conducted in Britain, this article illustrates that contrary to popular belief, nonresident black fathers are active participants in their children's lives. Social capital is an important conceptual tool in highlighting the networks and resources available to these fathers in their parenting practices. These men's fathering experiences are also informed by cultural and historical factors and intersecting identities of race, ethnicity, class, and gender. The article concludes by making explicit the different ways in which family policy can develop more inclusive strategies to support nonresident black fathers in their paternal role.

Suggested Citation

  • Tracey Reynolds, 2009. "Exploring the Absent/Present Dilemma: Black Fathers, Family Relationships, and Social Capital in Britain," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 624(1), pages 12-28, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:624:y:2009:i:1:p:12-28
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716209334440
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Elizabeth Cooksey & Patricia Craig, 1998. "Parenting from a distance: The effects of paternal characteristics on contact between nonresidential fathers and their children," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 35(2), pages 187-200, May.
    2. Lynda Clarke & Elizabeth Cooksey & Georgia Verropoulou, 1998. "Fathers and absent fathers: Sociodemographic similarities in britain and the united states," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 35(2), pages 217-228, May.
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