Perceived roles and involvement of young Filipino fathers in early child development

• Main Author: Rodriguez, Lois Marie Condeza
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2005
• Subjects: Teenage fathers > Philippines; Child development; Participation; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/3322; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/10160/viewcontent/TG03945_F_Partial.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study aimed to describe and compare the perceived roles and involvement of young fathers in early child development among young couples in Gingoog City. Specifically, the concept of father's roles and their involvement were investigated with reference to five specific areas, namely protection and security, food and nutrition, health care, informal learning, and play. Facilitating and hindering factors of fathers involvement as well as the similarities and differences on both husbands and wives perceptions were investigated. Using qualitative in-depth interviews, the data in this study emanated from the 10 young couples aged 18 to 25 years old and are residing in Gingoog City. Results of the study have revealed that, fathers are perceived as the main provider of the family. They are expected to look for a job and earn money in order to support the needs for their families. Most perceived roles of fathers as alleged by the couples were usually indirect roles. Mothers are expected to do the actual caring of their children while fathers are just there to help or to assist the mothers. Fathers are expected to serve as protectors to their children. Gender issues especially in the areas of children's protection and security and playing had also surfaced. Factors that influence fathers involvement in early child development included the husband's socio-economic status and the involvement of the husbands or wives parents. Father's age came out as a hindering factor. The kind of job they have also hinders the fathers from participating in child care. On the other hand, pieces of advices from parents enabled the husbands to involve themselves in their children's development.