The Definition of Fatherhood: In the Words of Never-Married African American Custodial Mothers and the Noncustodial Fathers of Their Children

This qualitative study explores the meaning of fatherhood from the perspective of never-married parents. Specifically, the study describes: how African American custodial mothers perceive the roles and responsibilities of their children\u27s fathers; the extent to which these mothers\u27 perceptions and definitions of noncustodial fatherhood are consistent with those of noncustodial fathers and the dominant cultural ideal ; and what mothers do to enhance men\u27s paternal participation. A convenience sample of 25 never-married,f ormer couples was drawn from the predominantlyA frican American population of a mid-sized Midwestern city. Data was collected via in-depth interviews with each individual respondent. The findings suggest that African American custodial mothers\u27 expressed definition of ideal fatherhood tends to reflect traditional Western standards, which emphasize the paternal economic role. However, in practice, mothers, like fathers, emphasize the social and emotional aspects of paternal responsibilities. Overall, it appears that while these mothers really want financial support, they are willing to forego economic support in lieu of the social and emotional support fathers provide