The silencing effects of the childhood innocence ideal

The Perceptions and Practices of Fathers in Educating Their Children About Sexuality

Bibliographic Data

ID2249293
AuthorsClare Bennett (0000-0002-5144-3894, Institute of Health & Society University of Worcester UK, corresponding author), Jane Harden (0000-0001-8158-6450, School of Healthcare Sciences College of Biomedical and Life Sciences Cardiff University UK), Sally Anstey (0000-0003-2295-3761, School of Healthcare Sciences College of Biomedical and Life Sciences Cardiff University UK)
Year2017
Volume39
Issue8
Pages1365-1380
Publication date2017-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociology of Health & Illness (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0141-9889 • E-ISSN: 1467-9566
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1467-9566.12591
PMID28593657
OpenAlexW2624192868
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited43

This study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore eight fathers' perceptions and practices in talking to their ten year old children about puberty, relationships and reproduction. The fathers participated in face to face interviews which were analysed idiographically initially, followed by analysis at the group level. Interpretations were then developed through critical application of a Foucauldian lens of governmentality and biopower. The results revealed a tension between the fathers' cognitions, accounts and behaviours. Their practices were largely characterised by silence yet they reported positive attitudes towards children's sexuality education and perceived themselves as equipped and willing to take on the role of sexuality educator. They also reported enjoying open relationships with their children. Interpretations centred on contradictions and conflict between the majority of the fathers' aspirations and the compelling nature of the childhood innocence discourse as a technology of governmentality. Whilst all of the fathers felt that it was in their children's interests to learn about sexuality, all but one adhered to hegemonic protective discourses and unquestioningly integrated their normalising effects into their fathering practices which, it is argued, may paradoxically render their children more vulnerable both now and in the future

Developmental psychology · Human sexuality · Ideal (ethics · Innocence · Perception · Political science · Psychoanalysis · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Child Abuse and Trauma · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Law · Psychology · Social Psychology

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