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Overview
Absent fathers and households headed by single mothers are frequently blamed for the poor quality of life of African-American children. This book challenges these assumptions, arguing that they are largely an unfair reflection of non-working class white American values. Hamer places the behaviors of black non-custodial fathers in their social, political, and economic contexts and describes these fatherless families from the perspectives of the families themselves.
Editorials
Choice
Hamer has attempted a useful project: an ethnography of poor, black fathers who do not live with their children. At a time when 70 to 90 percent of black children are or will be fatherless, this is a timely concern. Hamer accomplishes the difficult task of getting 50 such fathers to talk to her about their lives and their fathering. The extensive quotations from her subjects are the most valuable part of the book.Booknews
Hamer (sociology, Southern Illinois U.) explores the situation of low-income black fathers in America who live away from their children for a variety of reasons. The study is based upon the words of black fathers themselves. The text is organized into sections that examine the larger forces that define the social world of fathers, what fathers feel significant others expect of them, and fathers' parenting roles and functions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)Contemporary Sociology
Offers a healthy antidote to prevailing negative images of live-away fathers.... Makes a good case for assisting those whom society has failed.— Bart Landry, University of Maryland
Contemporary Sociology
Offers a healthy antidote to prevailing negative images of live-away fathers.... Makes a good case for assisting those whom society has failed.