Responsible Teenage Fatherhood in a South African Historically Disadvantaged Community

Abstract

This study explored the meaning of teenage fatherhood in a historically disadvantaged South African community. Open ended interviews on teenage fatherhood were conducted with sixteen teenage fathers aged between 16 and 21 years. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Key findings suggest that many of these early fathers were actively involved in their children's lives. Those with a history of absent fathers sought in their parenting to be ‘good’ fathers as compared to their absent fathers. In conclusion, their narratives suggest they embraced a diverse range of roles including emotional care, love and nurturance for their children.

Keywords:

• early fatherhood
• teenage fathers; absent fathers
• parenting community