Conceptions and Experiences of Paternal Involvement among Quebec Fathers: A Dual Parental Experience

Abstract

In Quebec, social changes have reshaped family roles and social expectations for fathers. This article examines Quebec fathers’ conceptions of their paternal role and their experience of paternal involvement. Twenty-six fathers (n = 26) participated in five group interviews. Thematic analysis of their discourse shows that their paternal experience is rooted in various conceptions of the paternal role. Many issues are experienced as dualities: the complexity of inventing a paternal role without having models, being present with their child while being providers, recognizing themselves as fathers despite lack of recognition from family or social circles, and wanting to take action with their child yet being unable to do so. The importance assigned to paternal involvement by fathers in this study shows their desire to develop and maintain paternal engagement during the preschool period, and it highlights the necessity of adapting family services to better support fathers through the transition to fatherhood.