Fatherhood and Immigration: Perceptions of Israeli Immigrant Fathers from Ethiopia and the Former Soviet Union

Abstract

Social services in multicultural societies often assist families in cultural transitions. These processes are seen as carrying potential risks and threats for families and children. Studies primarily examine immigration as a complex transition that affects the stability and continuity of family roles. This study focuses on the impact of immigration on the role of fathers. Moving away both from the risk theory of immigration and the deficit theory of fatherhood, this study focuses rather on the systemic barriers and obstacles facing immigrant fathers in their new country and the positive opportunities this change represents for them and their families. The study examines the impact of immigration on fatherhood by comparing Ethiopian and former Soviet Union Israeli immigrant fathers' perceptions of fatherhood in the midst of cultural change.