Stepdads Stories of Love, Hope, and Repair

by Marsiglio, William

• ISBN13: 9780742526730
• ISBN10: 0742526739
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-02-09
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Summary

This book addresses provocative and timely questions facing stepfathers, single mothers, and remarried couples today.

Author Biography

William Marsiglio is professor of sociology at the University of Florida.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
1 Talking to Stepdads
2 A Lens for Stepfathering	17	(16)
Demographics	17	(2)
Becoming a Father, Being Fatherly	19	(5)
A Model of Fathering	24	(9)
3 Getting Started	33	(30)
Dating with Children	34	(4)
So, You Have Kids	38	(2)
First Impressions	40	(2)
Moving Things Along	42	(3)
Learning about the Biological Father	45	(6)
Mothers in the Mix	51	(7)
Being Experienced	58	(5)
4 Opening Doors, Being Involved	63	(34)
Relationship Logistics	64	(6)
Discipline and Responsibility	70	(15)
Other Ways to Be Involved	85	(4)
Perceptions of Involvement	89	(8)
5 Overlooked Aspects of Stepfathering	97	(30)
Social Capital	98	(7)
Father Ally	105	(12)
Kids Making a Difference	117	(10)
6 The Name Game	127	(18)
Negotiating Labels	128	(6)
Emotions	134	(8)
Contexts	142	(3)
7 Claiming and Bonding	145	(24)
Degree of Conviction	145	(6)
Comparing Children	151	(4)
Adoption	155	(2)
Identity Transitions	157	(2)
Mindfulness	159	(2)
Sexuality and Gender	161	(4)
Stepchild's Role	165	(4)
8 Fathering Visions, Philosophy, and Context	169	(34)
Creating Visions	170	(14)
Looking Back to Dad and Mom	184	(6)
Finding a Way	190	(3)
Fathering Context: Private and Public Scenarios	193	(10)
9 Layers of Stepfathering	203	(24)
Identity Transitions	206	(5)
Connecting Individuals, Connecting Families	211	(8)
The World Out There	219	(8)
10 Taking Action	227	(18)
Cultural Definitions	227	(2)
On the Personal Front	229	(5)
Getting Organized	234	(5)
A New Vision	239	(6)
Appendix A: Study Reflections, Lessons, and Recommendations	245	(28)
Framing the Research Questions	246	(1)
Sampling and Recruitment Concerns	247	(2)
Interviewing	249	(4)
Interviewing Issues and Opportunities	253	(4)
Judging the Interviews	257	(3)
Analyzing What Participants Had to Say	260	(3)
Writing about Participants' Lives	263	(2)
Future Research and Key Concepts	265	(8)
Appendix B: Sample of "Key Issues" for Semistructured
Interview Guides: Stepfather, Birth Mother, Child	273	(4)
Stepfather Interview	273	(1)
Birth Mother Interview	274	(1)
Child Interview	275	(2)
Notes	277	(20)
References	297	(14)
Index	311	(8)
About the Author	319