What is this module about?

This module will develop your understanding of the concept of masculinities and deepen your knowledge of men as fathers (its common aspects and cross-cultural dimensions). You will examine perspectives on fatherhood and its relationship with the wellbeing of young children, which will enable you to understand the development of the various roles that fathers can play in the lives of young children. It will analyse relevant variables influencing fatherhood and its associated roles and examine the broader roles of men in early childhood, as well as develop strategic alternatives to get men/fathers involved in early childhood development and in young children’s settings.

Topics covered:

• Concepts of masculinities: fatherhood, sexuality, roles and the body
• Men as fathers: knowledge of fatherhood, common aspects of the role in parenting and the cultural dimension of fatherhood
• Fathers and the wellbeing of young children
• De-constructing the exclusive focus on women in nurturing and bonding with children
• Variables affecting the role of fathers
• International perspectives on the role of fathers
• Fatherhood and risk (dysfunctional fathers and absent fathers)
• The role of men in young children's settings
• Examination of national strategies and international strategies to get fathers involved in young children’s activities and programmes

Learning outcomes:

• To demonstrate critical understanding of the main theoretical concepts of masculinities and roles associated with men as fathers
• To reflect critically on the roles of fathers with special reference to their importance in the lives of young children
• To demonstrate with knowledge and understanding the various roles fathers can play in the lives of young children
• To discuss with understanding the effects of dysfunctional parenting of fathers and its related effects on young children’s development
• To examine critically strategies for fathers’ involvement in early years settings
• To examine critically policy strategies for male involvement in services for children and their families
• To interrogate positions on fatherhood and fathers involvement in services for children and their families

• To reflect critically on how father’s involvement can impact on children’s development.

Contact time:

The module will consist of 10 x 1-hour lectures and 10 x 2-hour seminars.

Assessment:

One three hour exam OR one 3000 word assignment

Sample reading list:

Buchanan, A. & Hudson, B. (Eds) (2000) Promoting Children’s Emotional well being Oxford: Oxford University Press

Buchbinder,D. (2012) Studying Men and Masculinities, London: Routledge

Burghes, L. (1997) Fathers and Fatherhood in Britain London: Family Policy Studies Centre.

Cameron, C., Moss, P. and Owen, C. (1999) Men in the Nursery. London: Paul Chapman Publishing Ltd.

Coltrane, S. (1996) Family Man: fatherhood, housework and Gender Equity Oxford: Oxford University Press

Connell, R.W. (2005) Masculinities, Cambridge: Polity Press

Connell, R. W. (2000) Men and Boys, Cambridge: Polity Press

Frosh, S. (2002) Young masculinities: understanding boys in contemporary society, Basingstoke, Palgrave

Francis, B. (2006). Teaching manfully? Exploring gendered subjectivities and power via analysis of men teachers’ gender performance. Gender and Education. 20 (2): 109 – 122.

Gray, P. and Anderson, K. Fatherhood: evolution and human paternal behaviour. Harvard University Press: Cambridge.

Holmes, M. (2008) What is gender? London: Sage Publications Ltd.