Male attitudes towards children, fatherhood, and childrearing: a descriptive profile from South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS)

Abstract

South African male attitudes towards children, fatherhood and childrearing remain an important topic for research and policy development given concerns about men's engagement with children and the family. This study utilizes a subsample of males from the national South African Social Attitudes Survey to profile attitudes of males cross analysed by survey designated racial groups. Results show that males in general, have a positive attitude towards having children and feel that they are not a burden. A greater number of Black African males than the other racial groups believe children are a financial burden and restrict employment choices. Most males believe that men want to have a loving relationship with children and perform best as fathers if married to the mother. The majority of them believe that it is a crisis in the country that many fathers do not co-reside with their children. Consistent across racial groups, most males are split about discipline with half believing in spanking, and that it teaches children right from wrong. Most males believe that it is better to talk to children than spank them. In examining responses to survey questions, Black African males trended away from the prevalent attitudes more than Coloured, Asian Indian, and White males. Family service providers can utilize these attitudes of men in planning intervention programs and policy development.