Men's experience of parenting following divorce : an ethnographic study
Date
1996
Authors
Champion, Janet Dale
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Abstract
This study explores, through ethnographic methodology, the culture of men who remain active in a parenting role following the dissolution of their marriage. The purpose of this ethnographic study was to discover the knowledge and understandings four divorced fathers use to order and interpret their realities. It was my intention to reflect, in the context of their culture, these men's evolving stories.
I employed ethnographic methodology which holds that cultural meaning is uncovered through an examination of how people use language. Specifically, I used Spradley's (1979) ethnographic interview and closely followed his developmental research sequence in my analysis. I presented my findings by way of three re-occurring themes.
The themes presented refer to both the internal and external forms of experience that comprise the lives of the informants. They are the understandings used by these four men who recognize the vital contribution they make m their children's lives. The themes speak to an inherent understanding of reciprocity in relationship.
This study explicates an understanding of the cultural knowledge these four fathers used to organize their behavior and to interpret their parenting experience.
It offers ideas for counsellor consideration and suggestions for further research into this area.