In this paper, the authors propose a “conceptual ethic” of fathering. This framework is presented as an example of a nondeficit perspective of fathering rooted in the proposed ethical obligation for fathers to meet the needs of the next generation. We conceptualize fathering as generative work, rather than as a social role embedded in a changing sociohistorical context. The framework is based on two central ideas: that the human context creates needs in the next generation that fathers have an ethical responsibility and capability to meet, and that both fathers and children benefit and grow from this work. Narrative accounts are used to illustrate the model. We also present findings from research and mention applications that are based on the generative perspective.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AhlanderN. R., & BahrK. S. (1995). Beyond drudgery, power, and equity: Toward an expanded discourse on the moral dimensions of housework in families. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 57, 54–68.
2.
BellahR. N.MadsenR.SullivanW. M.SwindlerA., & TiptonS. M. (1985). Habits of the heart: Individualism and commitment in American life. Berkeley: University of California Press.
3.
BorrowsJ. (1996). Generative fathering among the Canadian Chippewa: Narrative accounts of the circle of life. Unpublished master's thesis, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.
4.
BrothersonS. E. (1995). Using fathers' narrative accounts to refine a conceptual model of generative fathering. Unpublished master's thesis, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.
5.
BrothersonS. E., & DollahiteD. C. (1997). Generative ingenuity in fatherwork with young children with special needs. In HawkinsA. J. & DollahiteD. C. (Eds.) Generative fathering: Beyond deficit perspectives (pp. 89–104). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
6.
ChristiansenS. L., & PalkovitzR. (1998). Exploring Erikson's psychosocial theory of development: Generativity and its relationship to paternal identity, intimacy, and involvement in child care. The Journal of Men's Studies, 7, 133–156.
7.
DienhartA., & DollahiteD. C. (1997). A generative narrative approach to clinical work with fathers. In HawkinsA. J. & DollahiteD. C. (Eds.) Generative fathering: Beyond deficit perspectives (pp. 183–199). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
8.
DohertyW. J.KouneskiE. F., & EricksonM. F. (1998). Responsible fathering: An overview and conceptual framework. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 60, 277–292.
9.
DollahiteD. C.MarksL. D.OlsonM. M. (1998). Faithful fathering in trying times: Religious beliefs and practices of Latter-day Saint fathers of children with special needs. The Journal of Men's Studies, 7, 71–93.
10.
DollahiteD. C.HawkinsA. J., & BrothersonS. E. (1997). Fatherwork: A conceptual ethic of fathering as generative work. In HawkinsA. J. & DollahiteD. C. (Eds.) Generative fathering: Beyond deficit perspectives (pp. 17–35). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
11.
DollahiteD. C., Hawkins, A. J., & Associates (1998). FatherWork: Stories and Ideas to Encourage Generative Fathering (http://fatherwork.byu.edu).
12.
DollahiteD. C.MorrisS. M., & HawkinsA. J. (1997). Questions and activities for teaching about generative fathering in university courses. In HawkinsA. J. & DollahiteD. C. (Eds.) Generative fathering: Beyond deficit perspectives (pp. 228–241). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
13.
DollahiteD. C.HawkinsA. J., & BrothersonS. E. (1996). Narrative accounts, generative fathering, and family life education. Marriage and Family Review, 24, 349–368.
14.
DollahiteD. C.SlifeB. D., & HawkinsA. J. (1998). Family generativity and generative counseling: Helping families keep faith with the next generation. In McAdamsD. P. & de St. AubinE. (Eds.), Generativity and adult development: How and why we care for the next generation (pp. 449–481). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.
15.
EriksonE. H. (1950). Childhood and society. New York: Norton.
16.
EriksonE. H. (1982). The life cycle completed. New York: Norton.
17.
FerreeM. M. (1990). Beyond separate spheres: Feminism and family research. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 52, 866–884.
18.
HawkinsA. J.BarclayM., & DollahiteD. C. (1998, November). The challenge of program evaluation for family life education on the Internet: The case of FatherWork. Paper to be presented at the Annual Conference of the National Council on Family Relations, Milwaukee, WI.
HochschildA. R. (1997). The time bind. New York: Metropolitan.
21.
LaveeY., & DollahiteD. C. (1991). The linkage between theory and research in family science. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 53, 361–374.
22.
LevantR. F. (1992). Toward the reconstruction of masculinity. Journal of Family Psychology, 5, 379–402.
23.
PalmG. F. (1997). Promoting generative fathering through parent and family education. In HawkinsA. J. & DollahiteD. C. (Eds.) Generative fathering: Beyond deficit perspectives (pp. 167–182). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
24.
RuddickS. (1989). Maternal thinking: Toward a politics of peace. Boston: Beacon.
25.
SnareyJ. (1993). How fathers care for the next generation: A four decade study. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
26.
SnareyJ. (1997). The next generation of work on fathering. Foreword in HawkinsA. J. & DollahiteD. C. (Eds.) Generative fathering: Beyond deficit perspectives (pp. ix–xii). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
