200560196 Student ID: 200560196

BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

Course title: BA (HONS) Childhood studies Module tutor: Mary Chambers Module Title: Using and Doing research Module Code: EDUC 2003 Word count: 2760/3000

ASSIGNMENT ARTICLE: West, A.F. Lewis, S. Ram, B. Barnes, j. Leach, P. Sylva, K & Stein, A. (2009) Why do some fathers become primary caregivers for their infants? A qualitative study. Child: Care, health and development, 35, 208-216 Research Report on a published article

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200560196 1.0 Introduction

BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

The title of the article that this review will look at is: Why do some fathers become primary caregivers for their infants? A qualitative study. I have chosen to look into this article as I would like to broaden my knowledge with in this area, also because the article sounds rather interesting. This review will look into the research paper in depth and study several different areas within it. It will do this by drawing information on the main other of the paper, by looking into issues behind the paper and locating it in appropriate time and place. The research will also be compared to that of others in the same field. Possible alternative methodologies will be considered and a conclusion will also be drawn up. This review will be done in a structured manner with headings at each section.

2.0 The Author Kathy Sylva is an American psychologist who graduated at Harvard University after earning a PhD. Sylva has lived and worked in Britain since 1975 and has a wide field of work. When she entered Britain, Sylva joined the research team of Jerome Bruner in Oxford. This research group investigated childrens play and lea rning (Fourth Valley College 2011). Sylva has been involved in many research groups throughout her career involving many areas. Sylvas main areas of research include: Families, children and child care; contribution of parents to childrens learning and primary curriculum. Sylva has had many books and research papers published (University of Oxford 2011). Sylva has looked closely into High Scope and seems to have various themes running through her work. Her main theme is the importance of free-flow play and Sylvas output on this area has changed the way childrens play has been looked at by many educators (Nursery World 2002). Most recently, in 2011, Sylva has begun an evaluation on the sure start programme and its help towards children who are vulnerable. In 2008 Sylva was part of a research team

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BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

who conducted research on fathers as caregivers and a paper was published as a result on their findings (Nursery world 2011).

3.0 Context The research paper that Sylva had a large role in looks at the issues as to why fathers become primary caregivers, as well as the relationship between income and the caregiving role (West et al 2009). The paper suggests that more fathers are becoming primary caregivers to their children, however, there is not much research in this field as to why this may be occurring making this a rather controversial area. According to King (2011) There are now 10 times as many stay-at-home dads in the UK than a decade ago, with one in seven fathers (14%) now the main childcare provider. King (2011) states that this could be because, stay-at-home dads have been driven by growing numbers of women earning more than their partner. It is not clear as to why women are earning more than men however, it is suggested that this is because women are leaving school and universities with higher grades than men (Garner 2011). This could therefor suggest that the government need to enforce policies to help boys boost their educational standards.

4.0 Literature Review By looking through literature in relevant areas, it is clear to see that not much research has been conducted in the area. Due to this, going back five years does not provide enough information in the field. Although this is the case, five published articles have been found that have a link to the discussed journal article. Of these published articles, only one of these is based in the U.K however, this does not matter, as they all share links and themes with each other. These articles have been taken from various years and countries. This has not been done intentionally however, it does mean that a broader view of the research area can be considered. Articles have been taken from various years, varying from 1995-2011. These articles include: Callister (1995) Fathers as Primary Caregivers Non-traditional roles in two parent families with young children, Reisinger (2004) Dads as primary caregivers an Page 3 of 12

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BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

increasing phenomenon, Matze (2003) Whos Manning the Fort? Stay-at-home-dads, Doward (2010) Its men who are increasingly left holding the baby and Pennlive (2011) Fathers embrace shift in responsibilities. All of these articles used within this literature review look at why fathers are becoming primary caregivers. By looking at these articles, it is clear to see that there are several themed areas running through all of them. These themes include; Percentages of fathers as caregivers, reasons as to why fathers are increasingly becoming the main caregivers to their child/children and societies role. By investigating these themes, it can be seen that all of these articles include figures on how many fathers are caregivers compared to a few years ago. For example, Reisinger (2004) states that the number of fathers as primary caregivers had reached 147,000 this is an increase of 130 per cent since 1995, this research has been conducted in the U.S.A. Percentages can also be seen in the article of Doward (2010). This research was conducted in the U.K. Doward (2010) states that, 6% of fathers, equivalent to 600,000 men, now consider themselves to be their childs primary carer. This is a raise of 10 per cent in the last 10 years. Pennlive (2011) also has percentages in their article. Pennlive (2011) states that U.S has 176,000 stay-at-home dads up from 93,000 in 2000. By looking at these figures from these articles, it is clear to see that there is a definite rise in roles of fathers as primary caregivers. Another theme that runs through all of these articles is reasons as to why fathers become primary caregivers .Matze (2003) states that There are a number of reasons as to why fathers become stay-at-home dads, ranging from economic reasons when the wife earns more money, to choosing who should be the one to sacrifice a career. Alongside this, Callister (1995) suggests that the shift of role to fathers is due to financial status as their partners are often on a higher level pay than themselves. Reisinger (2004) also suggests that the reasons why fathers stay at home as a caregiver is because of the financial status or because they have chosen to do so due to views as to how they were brought up themselves. By looking at these reasons, it is clear to see that there is a theme in Page 4 of 12

200560196

BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

the reasons as to why fathers are becoming caregivers. It can be argued that the reason for this is mainly due to financial status, and the woman earning more. A final theme that runs through these articles is the shift of societal views towards fathers as primary caregivers. Pennlive (2011) discusses that society has changed significantly since the 1950s and 60s in the respect that fathers do not have to be the main earner anymore. Reisinger (2004) also backs this view of society and also says that it is now deemed socially acceptable for fathers to be the main caregiver. From this it is clear to see that society has changed over the past few decades, and now fathers will not be looked down on for been a primary caregivers. These five chosen articles all show strong links to each other and as to why fathers become primary caregivers. Several themes have been identified throughout the literature, and from these themes, links can be made back to West et al (2009). Although literature supports the views as to why fathers are becoming more involved in the caregiving for their children, it could be argued that the literature used is not relevant. This is due to the fact that it stretches back more than five years. This is the case due to lack of literature in the area.

5.1 The purpose of the study Over the past 30 years, fathers have become more actively involved in the primary caregiving role however, research is lacking in the area (West et al 2009). Due to this, the authors and researchers of this paper intended to discover why the father primary caregiving role is increasing. They aimed to do this by conducting semi-structured interviews with several fathers who were considered to be primary caregivers. In my opinion the purpose of this paper is ideal because as previously discussed, research in the area is lacking. This research could therefore mean that more research could be conducted because of the results to this.

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200560196

BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

5.2 The research process (Research Methodology) Twenty five primary caregiving (PCG) fathers were used for the research. These fathers were selected from a companion quantitative paper. These fathers were defined as providing sole child-care for their one year old infant for at least 20 waking hours a week. These fathers took part in semi-structured interviews that included both open and closed questions. The open questions included a range of topics in relation to the interviewees experience of fatherhood. The closed-end questions included categorical and likert-style answers. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed however, only the open ended questions were used to provide the material for the study (West et al 2009). The design, sample and instrument used for data collection for this research are all clearly stated, making it easy to understand why and what has been used. Although these areas have been addresses clearly, ethical issues have not been mentioned. I feel that the ethics for this research include; gaining participants consent, making sure that all participant are clearly aware of what they will be participating in and what it is for. On top of this, participants should be made aware of their right to drop out if they want to and they should be informed of confidentiality rules around the research. These ethics should be applied to all research. Over all, the research seems to be competently carried out.

5.3 Evidence produced Evidence produced in this research project can clearly be seen in the section named results. Here the evidence has clearly been set out. Tables have been used alongside codes which all have descriptions on what they mean. Results have been set out into several themed areas. From the table used, it is clear to see that the joined most popular reasons as to why fathers become primary caregivers are; historical-familial and attitudinal-ideological reasons. Evidence that has been produced links back to the title of the research project and provides answers as to why some fathers become primary caregivers. This research makes clear links to literature throughout and also in the conclusion; however, there is no clear link to Page 6 of 12

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BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

literature within the results area. This could be because it is not needed as it is the section used for the purpose of its own evidence, and not others. I feel that the evidence is clear and easy to understand thus meaning clear links can be made between the title, evidence produced and conclusions reached.

5.4 Conclusions reached The authors have concluded that fathers become caregivers for a variety of reasons. They feel that the mothers wage, alongside how many children are in the household are contributing factors behind this. The authors also feel that the fathers flexibility of their jobs and the involvement they had with their fathers when they were children added to the influence in their role. The authors to this journal feel that the main reason as to why fathers become primary caregivers is arguably because their earning power is much less than that of their partners. Although the authors have stated this, their results table states that the main reason is joined between historical-familial and attitudinal-ideological reasons. The authors have come to a variety of reasons as to why fathers become primary caregivers to their children. To come to their conclusions, the authors have used two main key pieces of evidence. Firstly they have used the findings from this research project. They have done this by transcribing the information found with in the interview process. Secondly, they have used other research in the same area carried out by the Families Children and Child Care (FCCC) project. The authors do not mention the usefulness of this study, however it could be argued that it brings to light that it is an area that need researching. This could lead to government recognition.

5.5 Expression/style of the author The authors to this research paper have written in accurate English and have also made sure that they have not made it complicated to read. They have done this by writing in a simple format, words are easy to understand. Technical terms have been used but only to a Page 7 of 12

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BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

minimum, thus meaning that statistical information is not overly complex and therefor it is easy to comprehend.

5.6 Limitations of the study The authors have mentioned several limitations to this study. They have said that they feel that one limitation is that interviews were carried out with fathers in their home environment. While the interviews were conducted, the index child was there and in some cases other children and also mothers were in the interview room at the time. They have also pointed out that another limitation could be the fact that they used semi-structured interviews with closed questions (West et al 2009). The authors feel that because of this the fathers responses may have been coloured to some extent West et all (2009 p.215). I feel that there are two main limitations to this study that the authors have not addressed. One of these is that they have only used a small sample size of 25 PCG fathers. The second is that they have only completed semi structured interviews and no other methodology. This could suggest that the results have been generalised. Although these limitations have been mentioned, the authors do say that further research is warranted.

6.0 A similar study Not much research has been done in this area, therefore it is hard to find a similar study. Honig (2008) has written a journal article in a related field, however, this just looks at research in the area and does not actually conduct research itself. The article is called Supporting men as fathers, caregivers and educators Honig (2008). This journal is a review of research on fathering and research on men employed in work with young children. The article looks at the importance of positive male interactions with young children. Suggestions are also made in this journal as to why fathers are increasingly becoming primary caregivers.

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BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

This journal has a close relationship to the research conducted in the studied journal on fathers as caregivers. This is because; it too addresses reasons as to why this may be happening. This journal does this by looking into research conducted in related areas and then concluding on this as evidence. Honig concludes that fathers are becoming primary caregivers due to a change in society, financial status and due to convenience. This is a similar conclusion to that of West et al (2009).

7.0 Possible alternative methodology As I have studied this research paper in depth, I am aware of several different possible methodologies that could have been used to enhance the study. By taking the limitations to this research, a whole new methodology can be drawn. For example, only 25 PGC fathers were interviewed. I feel this should have been increased to at least 100, this would is to avoid generalisation. I also feel that instead of using a qualitative approach to this research, they should have used a mixture of this and quantitative data. This is so that questionnaires could have been used. I feel that if questionnaires had of been used and then followed up by a semi-structured interviews then more information would have been gathered. This also avoids generalisation.

8.0 Conclusion Overall, I have enjoyed reading this research paper and making a review of it. I have found that I now have an understanding of how research may be conducted. I felt that overall this research was good and in places it was very informative. The negative side to this research is the limitations as previously mentioned, particularly as there were only 25 fathers studied. I feel that key points from this research that I have learned are that fathers become PCG for several different reasons. I have also learned that not much research has been conducted in this area and that maybe this is something that needs to be carried out. The

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BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

issues around the question why do some fathers become primary caregivers for their infants? West et al (2009) could be addressed.

References: Callister (1995) Fathers as Primary Caregivers Non-traditional roles in two parent families with young children (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at world wide web: http://www.callister.co.nz/fathers-as-primary-caregivers.pdf Doward (2010) Its men who are increasingly left holding the baby (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at World Wide Web: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/apr/11/homefather-childcare-leave

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BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

Fourth Valley College (2011) Kathy Sylva (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at World Wide Web: http://www.123people.co.uk/ext/frm?ti=person%20finder&search_term=kathy%20sylva&sear ch_country=GB&st=person%20finder&target_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scotlandscolleges. ac.uk%2Fcomponent%2Foption%2Ccom_docman%2FItemid%2C78%2Fgid%2C973%2Ftas k%2Cdoc_download%2F&section=document&wrt_id=256 Garner, R (2011) Young women now earn more than men. The Independent (Online) 3rd October (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at World Wide Web: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/young-women-now-earn-more-thanmen-2364675.html King, M. (2011) Stay-at-home dads on the up: one in seven fathers are main childcarers. The Guardian (Online) 25th October (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at World Wide Web: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/oct/25/stay-at-home-dads-fathers-childcarers Matze (2003) Whos Manning the Fort? Stay-at-home-dads (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at world wide web: http://www.babyzone.com/mom_dad/work/stay_at_home_parent/article/manning-the-fort Nursery World (2011) Interview Professor Kathy Sylva (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at World Wide Web: http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/1079417/Interview---ProfessorKathy-Sylva/ Nursery World (2002) Professor Kathy Sylva (Accessed on 12.12.11) Available at World Wide Web: http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/725351/Professor-KathySylva/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH

Pennlive (2011) Fathers embrace shift in responsibilities. (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at World wide web: http://www.pennlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/fathers-embrace-shiftin-responsibiliity Reisinger (2004) Dads as primary caregivers an increasing phenomenon (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at world wide web: http://www.uwee.edu/cj/projects/Working/At-homedads.html Honig, A. Supporting men as fathers, caregivers and educators, Early Child Development and Care, 178:7, 665-687 University of Oxford (2011) Professor Kathy Sylva (Accessed on 13.12.11) Available at World Wide Web: http://www.education.ox.ac.uk/about-us/directory/professor-kathy-sylva/ West, A.F. Lewis, S. Ram, B. Barnes, j. Leach, P. Sylva, K & Stein, A. (2009) Why do some fathers become primary caregivers for their infants? A qualitative study. Child: Care, health and development, 35, 208-216

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BA (HONS) Childhood studies

EDUC 2003

NOTE: Remember to separate books from websites

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