Masculinity and fatherhood in men of Barrio Fátima, Bluefields-Nicaragua

Abstract

The research of masculinity and fatherhood was developed with the participation of men who live in the Fatima neighborhood of the city of Bluefields, with the intention to find out about the mental and behavioral representations that they have regarding masculinity and fatherhood. The research methodology was quantitative and qualitative, involving 49 men who are parents, in order to find out their perceptions related to masculinity and fatherhood. Through interviews, we explore the experiences and situations that limit the exercise of responsible fatherhood; the results were treated with the technique of analysis of content and discourse. The SPSS 17 software program for data analysis was also used. The results highlighted that masculinity means to be male, also is what defines them as a man and differentiates them from women, and for this is imperative to have attributes of virility. It also demonstrated that their male conception is linked to the way they visualize the exercise of parenthood, which means having a family, to protect, provide food, shelter, clothing and education for their children. The research indicates that the main factor limiting the exercise of responsible parenthood is not being taught to be parents, but also the lack of will, alcoholism and unemployment.