University of Worcester Worcester Research and Publications
 
  USER PANEL:
  ABOUT THE COLLECTION:
  CONTACT DETAILS:

The Silencing Effects of the Childhood Innocence Ideal: the Perceptions and Practices of Fathers in Educating Their Children About Sexuality

Bennett, Clare, Harden, J. and Anstey, S. (2017) The Silencing Effects of the Childhood Innocence Ideal: the Perceptions and Practices of Fathers in Educating Their Children About Sexuality. Sociology of Health and Illness, 39 (8). pp. 1365-1380. ISSN 0141-9889 Online: 1467-9566

[img]
Preview
Text
E Proof for review shil_12591 05-05-17.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (741kB) | Preview

Abstract

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.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information:

Staff and students at the University of Worcester can access the full-text of the online published article via the online Library Search. External users should check availability with their local library or Interlibrary Requests Service.

Uncontrolled Discrete Keywords: parenting, parents, sexual health, Foucault, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, relationships, reproduction
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions: College of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences > School of Nursing and Midwifery
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Clare Bennett
Date Deposited: 05 May 2017 10:59
Last Modified: 17 Jun 2020 17:17
URI: https://eprints.worc.ac.uk/id/eprint/5486

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item
 
     
Worcester Research and Publications is powered by EPrints 3 which is developed by the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. More information and software credits.