Being a father in my new society: a qualitative study of the fathering experiences of men from refugee backgrounds resettled in Australia
Forget, Gilles, Correa-Velez, Ignacio, and Dee, Mike (2019) Being a father in my new society: a qualitative study of the fathering experiences of men from refugee backgrounds resettled in Australia. Journal of Refugee Studies, 32 (2). pp. 322-339.
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Abstract
One of the forgotten actors of forced migration are the fathers from refugee backgrounds. Fatherhood is a foundational component of societies, and being a father impacts men’s health and wellbeing and that of their family. This article investigates the lived experience of 19 men from refugee backgrounds resettling in Australia.
It analyses the three main dimensions of fathering, fatherhood, the transition from manhood to fatherhood and father involvement and applies an intercultural approach to acculturation. This analysis identifies the main challenges faced by fathers from refugee backgrounds as they resettled in a new society with its values, beliefs and expectations towards fathering. The study’s findings suggest pathways for a more socially inclusive society that supports fathers from refugee backgrounds.