Fathers in the metaphors of fathers: Fathering roles mentioned in metaphors of 0-8 years old children’s fathers

Abstract

This study aims to examine 0-8 years old children’s metaphors related to fathers in order to understand the salient role mentioned through metaphors. Based on the symbolic interactional perspective in general and identity theory in particular, it is believed that the self is made up a multiplicity of identities and organized into a salience hierarchy. The top roles in the hierarchy reflected to the behaviors related to that role. Regarding to father involvement, this can be resulted in engaging more salient roles as fathers in the lives of children. Metaphors are important to understand our conceptual system and they highlights the certain features of our concepts. Integrating identity theory and salience hierarchy it is believed that metaphors of fathers related to fathers provide information on what is the salient role of fathers. 76 Turkish fathers who have at least one 0-8 years old child were asked about their metaphors related to fathers. Through content analysis, the fathering roles mentioned in the metaphors are examined depending on the multidimensional father involvement conceptualization of Palkovitz(1997). Findings revealed that mostly mentioned fathering role is protection and it is fallowed by teaching, thought processes, supporting emotionality, and providing. Findings of the study are discussed regarding to social structure of Turkish society.

Keywords

• early childhood
• father involvement
• metaphors
• identity theory

Ethical Statement

All the participants provided a consent form

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