Invisible or Involved Fathers? A Content Analysis of Representations of Parenting in Young Children’s Picturebooks in the UK

Abstract

Although gender-role stereotyping in children's books is a consistent focus of research, the study of the gender role stereotyping of parenting in particular is less common, despite a developing academic interest in the changing social meanings of fathering and mothering in contemporary societies. Previous analysis has suggested that fathers are under-represented in children's books and when present, are less likely than mothers to be featured expressing affection towards, or caring for, children. This paper reports the results of a content analysis of a sample of best-selling young children's picturebooks in the UK which feature representations of parents. It was predicted that fathers would feature less often, particularly at home, and be less likely to be depicted sharing physical contact with other family members, involved in domestic chores or childcare activity, or expressing emotion. The results upheld a number of the hypotheses, indicating that fathers remain 'invisible' in an important sense. However scenes featuring fathers with children, some forms of physical contact, or caring for children were not significantly less likely to feature in these picturebooks than equivalent scenes featuring mothers; perhaps reflecting a more progressive portrayal of 'involved' fatherhood. The findings are discussed in terms of their methodological, social, and political implications.

The role of information resources in young fathers' parenting experiences

“…Absentee fathers have been noted in other studies of information documents. For example, studies focused on children's picture books found that fathers were invisible or emotionally unavailable in many depictions of family dynamics (Adams, et al, 2011;Anderson & Hamilton, 2005). Excluding fathers from parenting literature and information documents perpetuates notions that mothers are and should be the primaryand at times, the solecaregivers, and that fathers do not need to educate themselves about children and their care.…”

Sibling Roles Represented in Children's Books about Chinese–US Family Adoption

“…In addition, children's media can provide important messages about identity (Ayres, 2004;Janson, 2012;Jung & Peterson, 2007;Parlevliet, 2011). Yet, this invisibility is consequential, as it can influence attitudes toward the value of certain family members (Adams et al, 2011) or family types (Rodman & Hildreth, 2002). Yet, relatively little attention has been paid to sibling experiences or portrayals.…”

“…According to Rodman and Hildreth (2002), the general publishing market does not provide easy or mass market access to diverse family literature. Given that stories can have significant consequences for identity (e.g., Adams et al, 2011), this would seem to be a valuable skill that family and consumer science practitioners can provide. Fourth, practitioners can teach families strategies for evaluating the social messages in their media use.…”

“…Researchers have argued that media messages are highly influential in children's sense of (i) what is normal or desirable and (ii) daily lifestyle choices (Byrd-Bredbenner, 2002). In addition, some researchers have noted that the absence/invisibility of some individuals in children's literature diminishes the importance of family members (e.g., Adams, Walker & O'Connell, 2011). Prior qualitative research has found significant social messages within children's books about issues such as gender (Diekman & Murnen, 2004) and race/ethnicity (Rice, 2005).…”

“…Prior qualitative research has found significant social messages within children's books about issues such as gender (Diekman & Murnen, 2004) and race/ethnicity (Rice, 2005). In addition, some researchers have noted that the absence/invisibility of some individuals in children's literature diminishes the importance of family members (e.g., Adams, Walker & O'Connell, 2011). It is important to explore family types/dynamics in children's fiction (Rodman & Hildreth, 2002;Scholl, 2008).…”