Constructing Fatherhood

This work provides an interdisciplinary analysis of the social, cultural and symbolic meanings of fatherhood in contemporary Western societies. The authors draw in poststructuralist theory to analyze the ways that fatherhood is represented in "expert" literature and in the mass media. `It is a very impressive book. Its coverage of contemporary discourses of fatherhood is comprehensive. The theoretical stance is one that allows for complexity and fluidity. The authors write well, making even esoteric sociological and cultural theory accessible. I recommend it′ - British Journal of Social Work Constructing Fatherhood provides an analysis of the social, cultural and symbolic meanings of fatherhood in contemporary western societies. The authors draw on poststructuralist theory to analyze the representation of fatherhood in the `expert′ literature of psychology, sociology and the health sciences, and in popular sources such as television, film, advertisements and child-care and parenting manuals and magazines. Men′s own accounts of first-time fatherhood are also drawn upon, including four individual case studies.