Fathers in the eyes of family welfare services social workers in Germany and Israel: Feminism, ideals and disappointments

Abstract

Several studies have reported that non-hegemonic fathers who are clients of welfare services are undertreated compared with mothers. This issue is examined here from a previously unexplored angle by comparing perspectives of two groups of social workers from different cultures and working spheres in Israel and Germany. Transcripts of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 German and Israeli social workers were analysed using a qualitative method of content analysis. The findings showed that unique aspects of practice were evident in each country according to its specific demographic and cultural contexts and social workers’ idiosyncratic gender socialisation, feminist approaches and world views.