Black Fatherhood in a Time of Fluidity

Abstract

Performing the role of the good-enough father is made difficult by structural impediments such as income inequality and cultural attitudes such as racism. A further impediment has been gender stereotypes and the resulting marginalization of the father as someone incapable of being emotionally nurturing and available. In this paper I explore how these culturally mediated constructions of father impact Black fathers. Special attention is paid to the defensive moves they must make to protect themselves and their children. Also explored is how archaic models of parenting make it difficult to be a good-enough father. Finally through a case vignette I explore the possibility of reparative father work.

Keywords:

• African-American
• good-enough
• fathers
• triad
• reparative.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

C. Jama Adams

C. Jama Adams, PhD is an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Department of Africana Studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Black fatherhood, neo-liberalism and poor youth, are two of his areas of interest.