Fathering at a distance in the military: Techniques for presence and emotion work among Canadian Armed Forces fathers

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Many men aspire to involved parenting, but careers that require high mobility, such as military service, make this difficult. This study explored how military men father while deployed. Through interviews with Canadian Armed Forces personnel and spouses, techniques for fathering at a distance were identified, and implications for how military fathers maintain presence with their families were explored. Emotion work undertaken by fathers is also discussed. Understanding how fathering is accomplished at a distance can improve support for personnel, addressing concerns related to work-life balance that are a source of significant tension.