Role and identity transformation: A qualitative study on single fathers of children with disabilities

Burak Acar

doi:10.26466/opusjsr.1847413

EN TR

Role and identity transformation: A qualitative study on single fathers of children with disabilities

Abstract

This research aims to examine the experiences of single fathers who provide sole care for their children with disabilities following the loss of a spouse through death or abandonment. It specifically focuses on the transformation of roles and identities during this process. A qualitative research design was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six single fathers selected via purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that the experiences of single fathers are shaped by three distinct processes: systemic transformation, identity transformation, and labor/role transformation. Systemic transformation refers to the reconstruction of family structure and balance following the loss of a spouse. Identity transformation describes the shift from the traditional "provider" role to a caregiving parent who establishes deep emotional bonds. Furthermore, labor/role transformation represents the restructuring of daily life practices through the redefinition of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, economic, and time-based labor. Consequently, this process emerges as an experience that not only increases individual responsibilities but also reinterprets traditional gender norms and transforms the meaning of fatherhood. The study recommends the development of father-oriented social policies and social work practices. Specifically, increasing economic assistance to alleviate the caregiving burden, strengthening psychosocial support networks tailored for fathers, and providing accessible, inclusive public services are essential.

Keywords

Fatherhood, Fatherhood, disability, single fathers, identity, role

Rol ve kimlik dönüşümü: Engelli çocuğa sahip bekar babalar üzerine nitel bir araştırma

Abstract

Bu araştırma, engelli çocuğun bakımını eş kaybı (ölüm veya terk edilme) sonrasında tek başına üstlenen bekar babaların deneyimlerini incelemeyi ve bu süreçte yaşanan rol ile kimlik dönüşümünü anlamayı amaçlamaktadır. Çalışma, nitel araştırma yöntemiyle yürütülmüş; amaçlı örnekleme tekniğiyle belirlenen 6 bekar baba ile yarı yapılandırılmış mülakatlar yapılmıştır. Veriler, tematik analiz yöntemiyle çözümlenmiştir. Bulgular, bekar babaların deneyimlerinin sistemik dönüşüm, kimlik dönüşümü ve emek/rol dönüşümü olmak üzere üç farklı dönüşüm süreci etrafında şekillendiğini göstermektedir. Sistemik dönüşüm, eş kaybı sonrasında aile yapısının ve dengesinin yeniden inşasını; kimlik dönüşümü, babaların yalnızca geçim sağlayıcı rolünden çıkarak bakım veren ve duygusal bağ kuran bir ebeveyn rolünü benimsemelerini; emek/rol dönüşümü ise bakım, fiziksel, bilişsel, duygusal, sosyal, iktisadi ve zamana dayalı emek türlerinin yeniden tanımlanmasıyla birlikte babaların gündelik yaşam pratiklerinin değişmesini ifade etmektedir. Sonuç olarak bu süreç, yalnızca bireysel sorumlulukların artması değil, aynı zamanda geleneksel cinsiyet normlarını yeniden yorumlayan ve babalığın anlamını dönüştüren bir deneyim olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bakım yükünü azaltacak ekonomik yardımlar, babalara özel psiko-sosyal destek ağlarının güçlendirilmesi ve erişilebilir, kapsayıcı kamu hizmetlerinin sunulması için baba odaklı sosyal politika ve sosyal hizmet uygulamalarının geliştirilmesi önerilmektedir.

Keywords

Babalık, engelli, bekar babalar, kimlik, rol

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Social Work (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Burak Acar ^*
0000-0003-4765-3319
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 13, 2026

Submission Date

December 23, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 12, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 23 Number: 2026

DOI

https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1847413

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA27DT23AM

APA

Acar, B. (2026). Role and identity transformation: A qualitative study on single fathers of children with disabilities. OPUS Journal of Society Research, 23(2026), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1847413

AMA

1.Acar B. Role and identity transformation: A qualitative study on single fathers of children with disabilities. OPUS JSR. 2026;23(2026):1-20. doi:10.26466/opusjsr.1847413

Chicago

Acar, Burak. 2026. “Role and Identity Transformation: A Qualitative Study on Single Fathers of Children With Disabilities”. OPUS Journal of Society Research 23 (2026): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1847413.

EndNote

Acar B (March 1, 2026) Role and identity transformation: A qualitative study on single fathers of children with disabilities. OPUS Journal of Society Research 23 2026 1–20.

IEEE

[1]B. Acar, “Role and identity transformation: A qualitative study on single fathers of children with disabilities”, OPUS JSR, vol. 23, no. 2026, pp. 1–20, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.26466/opusjsr.1847413.

ISNAD

Acar, Burak. “Role and Identity Transformation: A Qualitative Study on Single Fathers of Children With Disabilities”. OPUS Journal of Society Research 23/2026 (March 1, 2026): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1847413.

JAMA

1.Acar B. Role and identity transformation: A qualitative study on single fathers of children with disabilities. OPUS JSR. 2026;23:1–20.

MLA

Acar, Burak. “Role and Identity Transformation: A Qualitative Study on Single Fathers of Children With Disabilities”. OPUS Journal of Society Research, vol. 23, no. 2026, Mar. 2026, pp. 1-20, doi:10.26466/opusjsr.1847413.

Vancouver

1.Burak Acar. Role and identity transformation: A qualitative study on single fathers of children with disabilities. OPUS JSR. 2026 Mar. 1;23(2026):1-20. doi:10.26466/opusjsr.1847413

Role and identity transformation: A qualitative study on single fathers of children with disabilities

Abstract

Keywords

Rol ve kimlik dönüşümü: Engelli çocuğa sahip bekar babalar üzerine nitel bir araştırma

Abstract

Keywords

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

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