Policy Press

The Dynamics of Young Fatherhood

Understanding the Parenting Journeys and Support Needs of Young Fathers

By Bren Neale and Anna Tarrant

Published

Feb 26, 2024

Page count

310 pages

ISBN

978-1447351719

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Feb 26, 2024

Page count

310 pages

ISBN

978-1447351610

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Feb 26, 2024

Page count

310 pages

ISBN

978-1447351733

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Feb 26, 2024

Page count

310 pages

ISBN

978-1447351733

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
The Dynamics of Young Fatherhood

Around 1 in 10 children born in the UK are fathered by men under the age of 25. These men are often from socially disadvantaged areas and frequently overlooked in both research and practice settings. Using findings from a major Economic and Social Research Council study, supplemented with additional data, the authors focus on the transitions of the young men into early parenthood and their unfolding lives thereafter.

As negative popular and media discourse around young fathers begins to shift, policy makers, practitioners, researchers and students will find future policy and practice directions designed to nurture the potential of these young men and their children.

“One of the most important books on adolescent and young adult fathers ever published. Moving interviews document how young fatherhood is shaped by personal, familial, institutional and societal influences, illuminating factors that facilitate or impede their efforts to be engaged, caring parents and the implications for medical and social services and public policy.” Mark S. Kiselica, Penn State Harrisburg

Introduction

Part 1: Young Fatherhood: Contemporary Knowledge and Debate

1. The Lives of Young Fathers

2. Policy Responses and Public Discourses: The Neglect of Young Fathers

3. Researching Young Fatherhood Through Time

Part 2: Living Young Fatherhood: Changing Identities, Relationships and Practices

4. Becoming a Young Father: Transitions, Identities, Choices, Constraints

5. Co-Parenting: The Gendered Dynamics of Young Relationships

6. Reconfiguring Families: Intergenerational care and support?

7. Young Breadwinners? Education, Employment, and Training Trajectories

8. Finding a Place to Parent: Young Fathers’ Housing Needs and Pathways - With Linzi Ladlow

Part 3: Supporting Young Fathers: Lived Experiences and Policy Challenges

9. Professional Support for Young Fathers: Support, surveillance, sidelining?

10. Enhancing the Social Engagement of Young Fathers through Qualitative Longitudinal Impact Research

11. Rethinking Young Fatherhoodː Citizenship and Compassionate Social Policy

Appendix: Pen Portraits of the Participants