“Still a dad”: Navigating fatherhood after unplanned pregnancies

Shanaaz Dunn; Pranitha Maharaj

doi:10.1921/swssr20252535

Authors

Dr Shanaaz Dunn Human Sciences Research Council https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0292-0305
Prof Pranitha Maharaj University of KwaZulu-Natal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3518-8237

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr20252535

Keywords:

young fathers, lower-income communities, unintended pregnancy, South Africa

Abstract

Young men have only recently been recognised as pivotal to promoting gender equality and strengthening family wellbeing in South Africa. This study documents the experiences of fifteen young men from low-income, urban communities who became fathers through unprotected sex. All were aware of the negative consequences of such behaviour but felt that it was not their responsibility to practice safe sex. They were over-burdened with the responsibility of being fathers, especially in the absence of family support. They highlighted a lack of social support services for men and fathers. Although there have been efforts to expand family planning efforts and promote safer sexual practices in resource poor settings, it remains a challenge. This study emphasises the importance of targeted, gender-inclusive, social services aimed at men to promote safer sexual practices and a greater commitment to their fathering role.

Author Biographies

Dr Shanaaz Dunn, Human Sciences Research Council

Shanaaz Dunn is a Senior Research Specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council. She obtained her doctorate in Population Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has a decade of experience in the research and academic arena. She has contributed to numerous peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters and conferences.

Prof Pranitha Maharaj, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Pranitha Maharaj is a Professor at the School of Built Environment and Development Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. Since obtaining her doctorate from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine she has accumulated decades of teaching experience while at the same time building a strong record of research.

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