Prácticas y significados de la paternidad en relación a la alimentación infantil

Abstract

Purpose: Determine the social position of the father with respect to the feeding of children up to 2 years of age, according to male-paternal practices and meanings. Materials and methods: Qualitative and psychosocial approaches using phenomenological methods. We conducted in-depth interviews with fathers between 20 and 40 years of age. Data analysis was based on Grounded Theory. Derived categories: a) Perceptions of paternity and its relationship with masculinity, b) Practices of the father in feeding and care of the infant,and c) Family dynamics. Results: The role of the father was to be the provider and to be responsible for the food security of his children; perceptions of masculinity were connected with personal economic situation. Conclusion: Beyond guaranteeing food security, fathers have been building a new masculine identity that allows him to participate, in his way, in the feeding of his children and to see himself as an equal with his partner in the raising and the caring of children.