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Fathering in India

Understanding Challenges and Opportunities

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Father Involvement in Young Children’s Lives

Part of the book series: Educating the Young Child ((EDYC,volume 6))

Abstract

This chapter seeks to explore fathering in the current urban context of India. Based on available research, it is argued that the expectations around fathers’ roles are changing in India although fathers’ traditional roles as the provider and protector of the family still exist. The nature of fathers’ involvement is viewed through studies that describe the extent of and the areas in which the father is involved beginning from prenatal through different stages of childhood. The chapter also examines empirical data on practical, personal factors that facilitate or hinder fathers’ involvement in parenting and the role of gender norms and power that are associated with fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives. Policy and program recommendations closely follow the conclusions drawn from available research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Faculty of Family and Community Sciences, M.S. University of Baroda, 390002, Baroda, India

    Rajalakshmi Sriram

  2. 411060, Mohammedwadi, Pune, 704, Selena, Nyati Ambience, India

    Prachee Navalkar

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  1. Rajalakshmi Sriram
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  2. Prachee Navalkar
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Correspondence to Rajalakshmi Sriram or Prachee Navalkar .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Teacher Education, California State University, Bellflower Boulevard 1250, Long Beach, 90840-2201, California, USA

    Jyotsna Pattnaik

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Sriram, R., Navalkar, P. (2013). Fathering in India. In: Pattnaik, J. (eds) Father Involvement in Young Children’s Lives. Educating the Young Child, vol 6. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5155-2_16

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