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White Fathers' Concerns for Their Biological Black and White Biracial Sons
Author(s) -
Durrant Lorna,
Gillum Nerissa LeBlanc
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
family relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1741-3729
pISSN - 0197-6664
DOI - 10.1111/fare.12578
Subject(s) - white (mutation) , psychology , thematic analysis , social psychology , developmental psychology , gender studies , qualitative research , sociology , social science , biochemistry , chemistry , gene
Objective This research examines the concerns of White fathers for their biological Black and White biracial sons. Background The father–son relationship may be more challenging for White fathers who do not share the same race as their sons because of the different lived experiences their sons are likely to encounter. This may lead to several concerns for White fathers. Method Utilizing a phenomenological approach, 10 in‐depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of White fathers of Black and White biracial sons. Thematic analysis was used. Results The results revealed two concerns that White fathers had for their sons: (a) safety concerns when interacting with law enforcement and (b) fear of discrimination. Both themes identified are concerns felt by the fathers for their sons. Conclusion By understanding the concerns that White fathers have for their biracial sons, family professionals can work with families to help them overcome these concerns and strengthen the family unit. Implications There can be social support groups created for White fathers of Black biracial sons, police departments can implement ongoing implicit bias training with police officers, and family life professionals can encourage and teach parents developmentally appropriate strategies for talking with children about discrimination.