CHANGING ROLE OF FATHER ACROSS GENERATIONS: FROM DISCIPLINARIAN TO A NURTURING PARENT

Abstract

Objectives: The current research aimed at exploring the changing role of fathers from one generation to the next.

Design: The study employed qualitative phenomenological approach.

Place and Duration of Study: University of Central Punjab, Lahore 2018-2019.

Subject and Method: Sample of the study consisted of 34 individuals with age ranging from 20 to 60 years. 16 participants belonging to the age group of 45 to 55 (older cohort) and 18 individuals belonging to the age -group of 18 to 25 (younger cohort). Focus groups were carried out to collect data from the sample. The data was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results and Conclusion: Results revealed that parenting style of fathers has changed over the years as younger cohort described their fathers as being supportive and caring individuals who are always there for their children and invest their time and energy in the upbringing of their children, whereas the older cohort referred to their fathers as strict, authoritative individuals, who were emotionally distant and minimally involved in the upbringing of their children. The research adds to the existing body of fathering literature and helps in identifying the changing role of the father in today’s dynamic of two-parent household.