Fatherhood Among Marginalised Work-Seeking Men in South Africa

Abstract

Several factors have been shown to shape the ways in which men parent/engage with their children and families. Socio-economic status, culture, history, political background, and access to paid employment are among these factors. In this chapter we focus on the ways in which precarious employment shapes the parenting practices of marginalized men in South Africa. These are men who seek work on the side of the road, often referred to as ‘day labourers’. We report on data collected through semi-structured interviews with 46 men who identified as fathers. The data was analysed using the grounded theory method of constant comparison which involved two phases of coding (initial- and focused coding). Following the coding process, the data was compared for similarities, differences, and contradictions. Lastly, the analysis involved the thematic organization of codes which resulted several main themes. The first theme explored in this chapter draws on the integration of parenting roles, where men not only focus on financial provision, but also highlight the significance of being physically present and showing their children love. The second theme we explored highlights the significance of traditional practices – amasiko – as practices of gatekeeping that hinder the involvement of men with their biological children.