New Study of Experiences of Sexual Relationships and Fatherhood Among Young Men From Lower Socio-Economic Groups
HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme Releases New Study of Experiences of Sexual Relationships and Fatherhood Among Young Men From Lower Socio-Economic Groups.
6th December 2010 – The HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme (formerly the Crisis Pregnancy Agency) today released a new research report which captures the experiences, opinions and attitudes of a group of young men from lower socio-economic groups on the subjects of sexual activity, their roles as fathers, and how they view themselves as men. These issues were discussed within the broader context of Irish society, of cultural assumptions about fatherhood, and of representations of young men and fathers in various media.
20 of the 41 men aged 17-25 who were interviewed had fathered a child, while a further three were prospective fathers at the time of interview. A substantial proportion of the sample had experienced pregnancy scares, miscarriages and unplanned pregnancies. Many fathers in the study demonstrated their commitment to their parental role and how it was a turning point in their lives, prompting them to become more responsible. It also had an effect on how they perceived themselves as men. The fathers in the study also highlighted the multi-faceted nature of fatherhood, identifying care-giving, discipline, decision making and being a positive role model for children as other key aspects of the fathering role which they strove to fulfill.
Author of the report, Dr Elizabeth Nixon said: “These findings reveal a picture of involved and committed fathers and challenge traditional stereotypes and incorrect assumptions of young unmarried fathers as uninvolved and uninterested. The young fathers believed that being a good father entailed more than being a provider. Despite having a limited ability to provide financially for their children, many realised the positive impact that they could have on their children’s lives by being physically present and involved in daily care-giving activities.”
Most of the men in the study had regular (almost daily) contact with their children and were heavily involved in the day-to-day care of the child. While the report highlighted the complex nature of the fathering role, the traditional role of ’breadwinner’ remained important and in many cases, their unemployed status led them to question their competence as fathers. Men described ‘feeling less of a man’ due to difficulties in fulfilling their role as provider. The fathers in the study were also intensely aware of the vulnerability that exists among groups of young fathers and the marginalization that men can experience as a result of losing contact with their children.
This is the second report published by the Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme looking specifically at what men think and experience in relation to sexuality fatherhood and crisis pregnancy.
Welcoming the publication of the study, Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, Research and Policy Manager with the HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme said: “What is striking about this report is that is emphasises the impact which crisis pregnancy has on men as well as the role they see for themselves in actively providing support during pregnancy and becoming an involved father. In specifically attempting to talk to men who have experienced a level of economic disadvantage, this report demonstrates that particular supports are required by young men to support them at this time. This report will inform our work to promote State-funded counselling and support services to men, as well as their partners and families.”
The Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships (ISSHR, 2006) identified those from lower socio-economic groups as particularly at risk of experiencing crisis pregnancy and of engaging in first sex at an earlier age than the general population. This new qualitative research, conducted by Dr Elizabeth Nixon, Dr Pádraic Whyte, Joe Buggy and Professor Sheila Greene was compiled following interviews and focus groups with 17-25 year olds in Dublin and Waterford.
