Performed and Perceived Masculinity in Father-Son Relationships from the Perspective of Sons: A Thematic Narrative Analysis

<p>The current study qualitatively explored father-son relationships and the perceptions and performances of masculinity within that relationship from the perspective of sons. Through the utilization of symbolic interactionism and narrative as theoretical and conceptual frameworks narratives were collected as a means to make sense of participants' experiences and interactions with their fathers throughout their lives. Through a multi-phase analysis and utilizing Riessman's (2008) thematic narrative analysis as an ideological and practical basis, <em>RQ1</em>, which asked what themes underlie sons' narratives surrounding the performance and perceptions of masculinity within their father-son relationships, yielded the following three themes: (1)<em> traditional masculinity</em>; (2) <em>responsibility</em>; and (3) <em>non-traditional masculinity</em>. From <em>RQ2</em> which asked what themes underlie sons' narratives surrounding the construction of sons' identities, roles and relationships within father-son relationships, the following three themes emerged: (1) <em>perceptions of father(ing)</em>; (2) <em>sons' perceptions of self</em>; and (3) <em>turning point perspectives</em>. <em>RQ3</em> which asked what themes underlie sons' narratives surrounding father-son contextual differences/similarities offer insight into both the performance and perception of masculinity and father-son relationships, resulted in four main themes: (1) <em>history/family</em>; (2) <em>romantic/interpersonal relationships</em>; (3) <em>culture</em>; and (4) <em>sex and gender</em>. Lastly, <em>RQ4</em> which asked which themes stemming from sons' dialogue and performances within the context of interviews offer insight into their narratives surrounding father-son relationships and masculinity gained further comprehension in to specific thematic <em>dialogic and performative </em>instances within participant responses. From these results this study added insight and understanding conceptually, ideologically, theoretically, and methodologically into the areas of family communication, gender communication and masculinity studies. Finally, the current study contributes further pragmatic understanding for individuals inside and outside father-son relationships when negotiating identities, roles and relationships regarding masculinity.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Strasser, Daniel Steven

Contributors dc:contributor

• Elizabeth A. Suter, Ph.D.
• Michele Hanna
• Mary Claire Morr-Serewicz
• Erin Willer

• Father-son relationships
• Masculinity
• Narrative analysis
• Perception
• Sons' perspective
• Symbolic interactionism
• Community-Based Research
• Family, Life Course, and Society
• Gender and Sexuality

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/630

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-1629