Abstract
Within the great societal changes and plural family structures, single-parent families stand out. In nuclei where the father is responsible for the family, men must reorganize their routine and support network to provide care, protection, and affection to the children. This qualitative, exploratory case study aimed to understand how ecological environments influence the development of paternity in families with a single father, presenting the set of systems and/or significant people that make up social and affective relationships perceived and received by them. The sample consisted of four fathers caring either formally or informally, for at least five months, for one or more children of up to 11 years. The results indicate that the father-child interaction is multi-determined and interrelated with the social and environmental contexts in which the father is inserted, as well as with the personality traits of the father himself. The fathers mentioned turning for the family of origin, community, and nannies for support in eventual difficulties encountered by them and their children. The school institution, especially in contexts of greater vulnerability, proved to be relevant in guaranteeing conditions that favored children’s development. These findings indicate the relevance in increasing support programs to paternal participation in family life and in consolidating men’s responsibility towards children.
Keywords:
Family; Single Parent; Father; Urie Bronfenbrenner Theory