Journal of Refugee Studies
Volume 32, Issue 2, 2019, Pages 322-339

Being a father in my new society: A qualitative study of the fathering experiences of men from refugee backgrounds resettled in Australia (Article)

Forget G. , Correa-Velez I. , Dee M.
  • a Queensland University of Technology, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Kingscliff, NSW, Australia
  • b Queensland University of Technology, School of Public Health and Social Work, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
  • c University of Queensland, Higher Education Academy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia

Abstract

One of the forgotten actors of forced migration are the fathers from refugee backgrounds. Fatherhood is a foundational component of societies, and being a father impacts men’s health and wellbeing and that of their family. This article investigates the lived experience of 19 men from refugee backgrounds resettling in Australia. It analyses the three main dimensions of fathering—fatherhood, the transition from manhood to fatherhood and father involvement—and applies an intercultural approach to acculturation. This analysis identifies the main challenges faced by fathers from refugee backgrounds as they resettled in a new society with its values, beliefs and expectations towards fathering. The study’s findings suggest pathways for a more socially inclusive society that supports fathers from refugee backgrounds. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Fatherhood interculturalism Fathering Social inclusion Father involvement Acculturation Fathers Refugee

Index Keywords

Acculturation qualitative analysis refugee social inclusion Australia forced migration
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85072328024&doi=10.1093%2fjrs%2ffey029&partnerID=40&md5=1a2801383fdef744598c8e1ed8497aad
DOI: 10.1093/jrs/fey029
ISSN: 09516328
Original Language: English