Constructing Fatherhood: Discourses and Experiences

by Deborah Lupton, Lesley Barclay

`It is a very impressive book. Its coverage of contemporary discourses of fatherhood is comprehensive. The theoretical stance is one that allows for complexity and fluidity. The authors write well, making even esoteric sociological and cultural theory accessible. I recommend it′ - British Journal of Social Work Constructing Fatherhood provides an analysis of the social, cultural and symbolic meanings of fatherhood in contemporary western societies. The authors draw on poststructuralist theory to analyze the representation of fatherhood in the `expert′ literature of psychology, sociology and the health sciences, and in popular sources such as television, film, advertisements and child-care and parenting manuals

192 pages, Hardcover

First published August 22, 1997

Reviews

[Karalee Shotola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my Children, Parents, and Family Life class as part of my Child Studies master's program. The first chapter on theories of fatherhood was a bit dense and took a while to get through, but reading through the portrayal of fatherhood in popular media and the authors' own study on the experiences of first-time fathers was more enjoyable.
If you want to understand how fatherhood is portrayed by experts and media and how it compares to the lived experiences of fathers, then I recommend reading this book.