Effectively Serving Low-Income Fathers of Color

Abstract

Though the last decade has demonstrated an increased interest in research on fathers of color, little has been written to aid professionals and policymakers who serve fathers of color. This literature review employs four dynamic conditions—microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem—underlying a socioecological framework to present various key factors influencing the lives of low-income African American and Latino fathers. By integrating multiple levels of thinking about these fathers, we situate our suggestions for effectively engaging these fathers within the reality of these men's diverse contextual and social environments. Discussion also includes best practices and examples of programs to guide professionals and policymakers working to better the lives of families of color.

Key Words:

• African American
• applied
• best practices
• context
• fatherhood
• ethnic minority
• Latino