North-West University

15
Assignment 4
PBSC 811
Neo Mashile

North-West University

15
Assignment 4
PBSC 811
Neo Mashile

ASSIGNMENT 4

SECTION 1: RESEARCH PROPOSAL : The importance of fatherhood in children lives. | | Please study the topics and reading material of Quality Circle 2 and complete the following sections of the research proposal: | | 3 INTRODUCTION3.1 Problem StatementThere has been an explosion in research on the benefits of having engaged and involved fathers, as well as the deleterious consequences of father absence. Although the negative outcomes for fatherless children are pervasive and impact all ethnicities, the focus of this qualitative research is on understanding the lived experiences of a particular family that has suffered through the pain of three generations of father absence. The literature regarding father absence is reviewed, and the negative outcomes associated with fatherless children are explored. The father absence literature categorically concludes that the father’s role is essential in child development. This problem statement project aims to develop a program from a Christian perspective that can be implemented in churches or faith-based groups to address the issue of father absence. The ultimate goal of this project is to reconnect fathers in a research demonstrating that children from single parent homes experience disadvantages when compared to their peers. In addition, the pain and emotional longing for the absentee father often persists into adulthood. Jeanne M. Hilton and Esther L. Devall, (1998), 23-54; This paper provides a practical resource for the society to gain forward momentum in assisting to eradicate the pain left behind by absentee fathers. The primary step in the process of reconciliation for fathers is that they must come to understand that their presence matters. Only at this critical phase can a father began the journey of reconnecting with his child. The child will need to come to a place where he is able to forgive his father for his absence. In the literature on African families, fathers are portrayed as missing figures and Black fathers tend to be portrayed in a more negative light than White fathers (Caldwell & White, 2006). Focal topics in the literature include absent fathers, external maternal kinship care and increased incarceration rates. Each of these topics neglects the reality of residential African 17 American fathers and their contributions to their families and their communities (Coles & Green, 2010). While it is necessary to investigate these struggles, challenges and the diverse family structures that are present in the community, little research has examined residential African men and their positive involvement with their children and families. Census statistics of 2010 show that only fifteen percent of African household include married adults as parents which is the lowest of all racial groups; however 41% of black children live with their fathers (including either married, cohabiting and single dads) (Coles & Green, 2006). Unemployment, poverty, instability, incarceration and lack of child support gain a significant amount of research and attention from media and social researchers (Coles & Green, 2006). Barriers to marriage in African communities include lack of employment and educational opportunities. Men face challenges as they assume the role of provider for their families. In summary, researchers typically present data that draws negative attention to fathers in African households (Bigner, 2006). Recent research has begun to explore factors that influence father involvement in African households (Marks et al., 2010). This is encouraging to some, given the lack of research on the positive family experiences of African men in families and relationships (Allen & Connor, 1997).Not residing with their children can be stressful for non-resident Black fathers as they attempt to adjust to challenges within the co-parenting system such as diminished or limited childrearing decision-making responsibilities, limited visitations, and adjusting to rules regarding boundaries related to separate households and intimate relationships (Madden-Derdich & Leonard, 2000; Seltzer, 1991; Willis, 2000). Emery and Dillion (1994) attributed the increase in boundary conflict between parents to intense and painful emotions, parental power struggles, limited communication, and differentiating childrearing practices and concerns. The aforementioned challenges can exacerbate the parenting stress of non-resident Black fathers especially when childrearing responsibilities are viewed as being regulated by their children’s mothers in the form maternal gatekeeping. The present study indicated that non-resident Black fathers have limited childrearing decision-making power compared to residential mothers. Kranichfeld’s (1987) explanation of family power helps to define this issue. Childrearing decision-making power within the co-parenting system is the capacity of nonresident fathers to have mutual influence alongside the resident mother. Many fathers expressed concerns regarding power differentials that occur with Black fathers who share childrearing responsibilities with Black mothers.The Black male-female relationship concerns of these fathers have been well documented in the social science literature. For several decades, scholars who have studied gender relations in the Black community have conveyed that there is discord regarding Black gender relations (Cazenave, 1983; Cole & Guy-Sheftall, 2003; Franklin, 30 1984; Hooks et al., 1995; King & Allen, 2009). Former Essences Magazine editor, Elise Washington (1999) put emphasis on Black men and women being at war with each other in Uncivil War: The Struggle between Black Men and Women. Hence, fatherhood scholars should presume that tensions between Black men and women carry over into the co-parenting relationship and impact the paternal stress of nonresident Black fathers. There is a lack of empirical inquiry that investigates paternal distress associated with maternal gatekeeping behaviours as perceived by fathers; especially nonresident Black fathers. This is an important and timely topic since Black children are more likely to live in fatherless households compared to children from other cultural groups. Kreider and Ellis (2011) reported in the Current Populations Report that approximately 47% of Black children under 18 lived with their mother only, in the 1991 compared to 16% of White children and 29% of other races . In 2009, the number of Black children residing in a mother only household increased to 50%. It is important to understand the co-parenting challenges that exist between nonresident Black fathers and their children’s mothers as parental discord can impact the well-being of Black children (Clarke, 2008; Cummings & Davis, 2002; Emery, 1992). 3.2 Research questions * What benefits does a father bring to the family structure? * What physiological effects do absent father figure have on the child and the mother? * What are the challenges facing fatherless homes in society? * How can the increase of fatherless homes be addressed so that we see more two parent homes in our society? * How do father less children integrate in society? * 3.3 Expected contribution of the studyChildren from single parent homes experience disadvantages that often continue into adulthood. This qualitative study project examines the pain and lived experiences of a family where father absence continued through three generations. Literature regarding father absence is reviewed, and the negative outcomes associated with fatherlessness are explored. The objective of this project is to reconnect fathers in a meaningful way with their children, ease pain and facilitate healing of all involved parties. Looking at presence challenges in society, crime, unemployment, and all ort of society ills. Father can play a positive role in term of guidance and leadership in families. With this paper I hope to achieve that society see the value of having both parents present in family structures. Even though sometimes it may be impossible for both parents to live in the same house, it must be acknowledged that every child needs access to both parents, and father should more themselves available and mother should give such access to father not living in the home.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES4.1 General objectiveThe general objective is to address the consequences left by fathers when they do not live with their children. Black father live apart from their children for various reasons such as relocation, divorce and various types of relations break-ups. In some research studies, information about fathers who live apart from their children has been provided by the mother of the children. Relying on mothers to describe father involvement does not create a clear picture of the parenting experience of black fathers. More needs to be known about the experiences of fathers who live apart from their children. It’s time for black fathers to tell their story.4.2 Specific objectivesThe specific objectives of this research are: * To identify the benefits that fathers provide in a family structure * To address physiological effects that absent father figure have on the child and the mother * To address the challenges facing fatherless homes in society. * Learn about the integration of fatherless children into society5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESESMy topic is of qualitative study and the research hypothesis in not applicable here. | SECTION 2: Quality Circle Session 1: Getting started | | Please study the questions posed for Quality Circle Session 1: Getting started and answer them. 1. Conduct a literature review and formulate a problem statement a. What theories and/or models are applicable to your study?For this assignment, I used the systems approach theory i. Why do you believe these theories/models are applicable to your study?The system approach provides a more qualitative analysis and provides more depths since the topic is more of a case by case basis. A methodological review of past literature is a crucial endeavour for any academic research (Webster & Watson, 2002, pp. 48-49). The need to uncover what is already known in the body of knowledge prior to initiating any research study should not be underestimated (Hart, 1998).The central aim of this study is to address the issue of developing an effective literature review by proposing a systematic approach that will guide the researcher on such a daunting task. ii. Which theories/models could you have used as an alternative?Other theory that could have been used is the contingency theory, systems theory, analytical approach.. iii. Why did you not make use of these theories/models?I did not make use of the contingency theory because of its apparent inability to resolve persistent theoretical and empirical problems. A contingency theory differs from other theories in the specific form of propositions. This distinction between congruent and contingent proposition clarifies the difference. In congruent, a simple unconditional association is hypothesized to exist among variables in the model. For example, the greater the task uncertainty, the more complex the structure. A contingent proposition is more complex because a conditional association of two or more independent variables with a dependent outcome is hypothesized and directly subjected to an empirical test. In short the systems approach allows for in depth study of a problem, hence used it compared to the other alternatives. b. What previous research has been done on this topic?Father presence matters.What’s it’s like for black fathersEffects of different parenting styles. iv. Will you duplicate a previous study? Why/why not?No I will not be duplicating the previous studies, as I feel the factors affect such outcome cannot be generalised, and each one must be treated on its own merit. v. What will distinguish your study from previous studies?I intent to segment my study variables according to demographics, and geographic. Want to concentrate my focus to study variables in Gauteng, and also involve the community and mother as other variables for a more depth understand of this phenomenon. Children based on age, will be considered, if available and willing. c. What methods have been used in previous studies on this topic? Interviews and questioners were used before vi. Would you use the same methods as in these previous studies? Why/why not?Yes I will be using the same methods, as I believe for qualitative methods, interviews will be ideal. Will also allow the opportunity for open ended discussions which will give more information on the issue we trying to address. d. Where did you find your literature?My literature was found in both primary and secondary sources. vii. Which primary and secondary sources did you use to conduct your literature review?Secondary source used was published journals and research on similar topics globally. The census stat was used as secondary source so to get the feeling on the number of fatherless homes. Informal primary sources also used; where by undocumented interviews were carried out amongst colleagues, some single parent homes, and the MBA study group. Stringent criticism was also applied, as I had to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the sources, and at the same time be concerned with the absence of bias in the environment yielded by the sources. viii. If you used scientific journals, are these journals accredited?Yes the scientific journals were accredited by the various institutions, and they were also peered reviewed. The journals used were of very high ethical standards, since they were read by those with a general as well as specific interest, hence they need to be intelligible to the general reader. Second there are no strict restrictions to the contribution size. For this reason in particular, the scientific journals expects full and caring reporting of the ethical details of the studies. ix. How did do your literature search?I used various published articles, which are peer reviewed, as listed on the references, Google scholar search engine also used. There is secondary data readily available on similar topics. 2. Formulate your research questions e. Why do you believe this to be good questions?I believe my research questions are good because, they are intriguing and they focus on my study. The question I choose direct me to the appropriate literary resources. They also provide a focus on the data collection. The questions prevent me from drifting from my original purpose and keep me focused on the initial interest of study. My questions are concise, meaning they are to the point, and sharply focuses on the issue of interest. They are clear, leaving no doubt as to what is being proposed for the study. They are operational, which means they can be executed and implemented in practice. They are open minded, so that it does not allow for obvious answers. They are puzzle features, as they address deep puzzles in a complex problem in society. f. Which sources did you use whilst formulating these questions?Notes from eFundi and research methodology text book. 3. Construct a conceptual model a. Does your conceptual model illustrate all the possible relationships you are interested in testing? Please explain.Yes it does, as the schematic diagram clearly shows the variables that are included in the study. The arrows are properly placed, and connect between the boxes to show the relationship between the independent variables and dependent variables. 4. Formulate hypothesesThere is a relationship between the presence of a father and the well-being of the child in a nuclear family. g. Is your hypotheses based on your research questions and supported by your literature review?Yes, the my hypothesis ids based on my research questions, as below: * What benefits does a father bring to the family structure? * What physiological effects do absent father figure have on the child and the mother? * What are the challenges facing fatherless homes in society? * How can the increase of fatherless homes be addressed so that we see more two parent homes in our society? * How do father less children integrate in society?My hypothesis can be tested by reference to the empirical study, and is supported by my literature. h. What types of relationships are predicted in your hypotheses?Directional hypothesis is used because I am more confident about the direction of the relationship, and because the literature reports of previous studies found the relationship to be of a positive direction. i. Are your hypotheses unambiguous?No it is not, as it predicts direct positive outcome form the study. | | SECTION 3: Evaluation of peers | |

Component | Marks | RESEARCH PROPOSAL | Problem Statement | 27/30 | Research questions | 5/5 | Expected contribution of the study | 4/5 | General objective | 2/2 | Specific objectives | 2/2 | Research Hypotheses | 7/7 | QUALITY CIRCLE QUESTIONS | Question 1a | 12/15 | Question 1b | 3/5 | Question 1c | 8/10 | Question 1d | 12/15 | Question 2a | 4/5 | Question 2b | 2/2 | Question 3a | 5/5 | Question 4a | 2/2 | Question 4b | 3/3 | Question 4c | 1/2 | Technical aspects | 3/5 | TOTAL | 102/120 |

Evaluation from Geronomow Frans: 2047444558

The problem statement was very well introduced as I got my immediate attention and I could relate to the study with ease. The background was well captured to the point and the topic very relevant and a continuing pain to our modern society. The main constructs are well defined, making easy to follow in the background of the statement. There is a guiding theoretical framework that indicates the models and the theory that you intend to study. The research questions do answer the problem statement, and they are clear and are open ended. The questions focus on the research, and they are not too broad, vague or narrow. The expected contribution of the study is very clear, easy to grasp. The specific and general objectives are well documented. The hypothesis I gave full marks purely that your study is of qualitative and was not applicable. They give pin point the core of the study. The technical aspect are well adhered to, with Times New Roman, 12, 1.5 line spacing. References are all in order in text and on the reference list.

References
Allen, S. M., & Hawkins, A. J. (1999). Maternal gatekeeping: Mother's beliefs and behaviors that inhibit greater father involvement in family work. Journal of
Marriage and Family, 61(1), 199-212.
Cazenave, N. A. (1983). Black male-Black female relationships: The perceptions of 155 middle class Black men. Family Relations, 32(3), 341-350.
Cummings, E., Davies, P. T., & Simpson, K. S. (1994). Marital conflict, gender, and children's appraisals and coping efficacy as mediators of child adjustment.
Journal of Family Psychology, 8(2), 141-149. doi:10.1037/0893-3200.8.2.141
Coles, R., & Green, C. (2009). The myth of the missing Black father. New York, NY:
Columbia University Press.
Emery, R. E., & Dillion, P. (1994). Conceptualizing the divorce process: Renegotiating boundaries of intimacy and power in the divorced family system. Family
Relations, 43(4), 374-379.
Hilton, Jeanne M. and Devall, Esther L. “Comparison of Parenting and Children's 197

Kranichfeld, M. L. (1987). Rethinking family power. Journal of Family Issues, 8(1) 42-
56.

Kreider, R. M., & Ellis, R. (2011). Living arrangements of children: 2009. Current
Population Reports, P70-126, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC, 2011.
Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/prod/2015pubs/p70-126.pdf Date of access 3 July 2015

Madden-Derdich, D. A., & Leonard, S. A. (2000). Parental role identity and fathers' involvement in coparental interactions afer divorce: Fathers' perspectives. Family
Relations, 49(3), 311-318.
Behavior in Single-Mother, Single-Father, and Intact Families,” Journal of
Divorce and Remarriage 29 (1998), 23-54.
Webster, J., & Watson, R. T. (2002). Analyzing the past to prepare for the future: Writing a literature review. MIS Quarterly, 26(2), 13-23.