What It Means to Be a Good Father: Working and Fathering Dilemmas for Men of Differing Socioeconomic Classes

Abstract

It was “Dads and Donuts Day” for a new school year at Parkview Elementary School, and Kenny Johnson raced down the street in a rush to get to the school on time. This annual meeting provided a space for fathers of elementary school students to connect with the school, with each other, and with their children through a variety of learning activities. The kids waited patiently with their teachers and then would excitedly meet their dads in the gym after school. In addition to the interactive games the fathers and children played, fathers could also sign up to help with afterschool activities throughout the year. The agenda for this meeting also covered the additional expenses of afterschool activities such as soccer practice, music lessons, and dance team. Kenny’s three daughters really wanted to be involved in these activities.