First-Time Fathers: Identity, Attitudes, and Beliefs on Parenting and Family Roles.
This project aimed to give a voice to first-time fathers, exploring their attitudes and beliefs about parenting and family roles as they transition into fatherhood. While fathering research has grown significantly in recent decades, much of the focus remains on mothers. Fathers, especially in Arab-Muslim cultures, are often underrepresented in research, despite their crucial role in child development. Our goal is to better understand how first-time fathers construct their identity as fathers, balance traditional and modern values around child rearing and family roles, and shape their identities as fathers.
We collected data through interviews and surveys at two key stages: late in the wife’s pregnancy and about three months after childbirth. This helped us track any changes in the fathers' perspectives over time. The findings from this study may help shape policies on father involvement in maternal and child health, and child development, as well as guide the creation of resources and initiatives specifically designed for new fathers, ultimately enhancing family and child well-being.
Collaborators:
Dr. Shaalan Farouk, New York University Abu Dhabi
Professor Xuan Li, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Dr. Shelina Bhamani, Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan
Partners (Abu Dhabi):
Corniche Hospital Abu Dhabi and Danat Al Emarat Hospital Abu Dhabi
Funded by (Abu Dhabi): Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority
The study’s findings from Abu Dhabi were presented at the Biennial Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development (ISSBD) in Lisbon, Portugal, in June 2024. [link the conference poster]
Documents: policy brief, conference poster
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please email us at nyuad.tld-lab@nyu.edu.
