Experiences of Father Absence Adolescents from a South African Community

Abstract

The study adopted interpretive/constructivist approach to examine father absence experience in teenage South African boys. Ten adolescent boys (with mean age of 15 years) from an impoverish suburb of Cape Town participated in the study. Mixed method data collection techniques were used including observation, interview and compilation of collage. Data were collected on participants' emotional and behavioural reactions to the absence of their fathers in their households. The results revealed that participants considered fathers as role models to teach them safe behaviours, male interests, values and activities. Participants' perceived fathers as providers and protectors who occupy positions of authority and control.

Keywords:

• father absence
• adolescent boys
• single-parent households
• experiences
• South Africa
• at-risk behaviour tendencies