Becoming childless: a hermeneutical exploration of the voices of fathers who have lost contact with their children
Date
2010-01-21T22:10:50Z
Authors
Shannon, Zane Kirby
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Abstract
Divorce affects approximately four out of ten marriages in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2001). Most researchers and clinicians agree that parental divorce and the ensuing process of a family's restructuring is a very stressful time for everyone, especially children. Not surprisingly, perhaps, the research on the effects of divorce has largely focused on how it impacts upon them (Amato, 2001). And while research, albeit to a lesser degree, has explored the impact of divorce on mothers (Demo & Acock, 1996) little attention has been given to the experience of fathers (Nielsen, 1999).
Joint custody is awarded in approximately 40% of settlements; however, mothers are typically given primary care and residence (Statistics Canada, 2001) with fathers restricted to two weekend "visits" every month (Fathers 4 Justice, 2004). Over time this amount drops to where many fathers end up seeing very little of their children. For some contact is lost altogether. Just how many lose contact altogether is unknown, but it is suggestive that their numbers may be significant (Nielsen, 1999).
How they are affected by that loss of contact is largely unknown as research into the experience of such fathers is missing. Given most parents would agree that losing one's child is perhaps one of the worst things that could happen to them, research into this experience is warranted.
This study is an investigation of the lived experiences of fathers who have lost contact with their children. Four such fathers were interviewed. Through a hermeneutical process of "mindful-reflective" listening thirteen salient themes emerged from their stories and are conveyed to the reader. In particular, the concept of "becoming childless" is introduced as a way of understanding how these fathers dealt with the long-term consequences of losing contact with their children. Implications for further research and social change regarding fathers' rights are addressed.
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Keywords
children of divorced parents, divorced fathers