Cultural influence on father involvement in rearing of children during early childhood amongst the Bamasaba fathers in Busamaga, Mbale District, Uganda

Abstract

Although child-rearing is taxing, it is undeniably fulfilling for parents, as watching a child grow is an indescribable experience. Traditionally, child-rearing has been viewed as a feminine role carried out by mothers and women, while fathers are seen as providers and breadwinners. Over the years, this has begun to change, with more fathers actively involved in early child-rearing, although numbers remain low due to various family circumstances and the social norms in which fathers find themselves. The present study investigated cultural influences on father involvement in early childhood rearing among Bamasaba fathers in Busamaga, Mbale District, Uganda. A qualitative methodology using an exploratory and descriptive approach was adopted. A sample of 15 participants was used, comprising 10 Bamasaba fathers and five mothers involved in early childhood rearing, who were randomly and purposively selected. In-depth interviews using unstructured questionnaires were employed to collect data. The findings revealed that culture plays a significant role in father involvement in early childhood rearing; other contributing factors include parental employment, finances, upbringing, education, family background, laws and regulations, and the age of parents. Further research is recommended, as there is little existing work on this topic in Uganda. There is an urgent need to raise fathers’ awareness and provide sensitisation on the importance of father involvement in early child-rearing, especially among the Bamasaba.