Non-Resident, Not Absent: The Caregiving Role Non-Resident Fathers Play in Raising Their Children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although there is a strong belief in certain circles that fatherhood is best exercised in the context of a nuclear family, non-residential fatherhood is a growing phenomenon worldwide. In a South African context, the understanding of a family from a homogenous, dual-income, and co-resident lens disregards the emergence and prominence of the so-called non-traditional families. Studies in South Africa have also shown that co-residence is not always plausible or realistic. This article contributes to the growing understanding of the manifold caregiving roles that non-resident biological fathers play in the raising of their children over the life course. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 black South African non-resident fathers aged 25–64 in Tshwane Municipality. The study found that non-resident fathers play a significant role in raising their children. This study makes an important contribution to dispelling two myths that have dominated fatherhood literature in the last few decades. First, the study dispels the myth that Black South African fathers’ especially non-resident fathers are irresponsible and are deadbeat. Second, the study showed that residence is a poor predictor of paternal involvement. The men in the study make sustained efforts to remain actively involved in the lives of their children. However, the findings also show that non-resident fathers frequently struggle to strike a balance between their many responsibilities and the societal expectations that their role as fathers must meet. Furthermore, non-resident fathers found it difficult to simultaneously adapt to their manifold roles of provider, nurturer, and moral guide.