RECONCEPTUALIZING FATHERHOOD: INFLUENCES ON PATERNAL ENGAGEMENT IN GREECE

Abstract

Objective: Fathers play a crucial role in children’s development, yet their involvement has historically received less attention than mothers’. In Greek society, cultural norms and work demands can limit paternal engagement, highlighting the need to explore fathers’ experiences and contributions to child-rearing. Methodology: This qualitative study involved 11 fathers from Chios, Greece, with children up to 3½ years old. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August 2025 and November 2025, focusing on paternal involvement, family dynamics, and parenting experiences. Data were analyzed using grounded theory, with open coding to identify themes and categories. Trustworthiness was ensured through repeated reading, triangulation, and peer review. Results: Fathers reported active involvement in child-rearing, although work obligations often limited direct interaction, and only three were present at childbirth. Mothers were generally more central in daily care, yet fathers emphasized positive co-parenting, consistency in discipline, and building strong emotional bonds. Family-of-origin experiences influenced parenting approaches, and only one father attended a formal parent-preparation course. Most fathers expressed satisfaction with their relationship with their children while wishing for more time together. Conclusion: Fathers in Greek families play an active, multidimensional role in their children’s lives despite work and contextual pressures. Supportive family climates and cooperative co-parenting foster richer paternal engagement, yet formal preparation programs remain underused. Targeted father-focused services and family-friendly workplace policies could strengthen father–child bonds, enhance overall family functioning, and shape more positive intergenerational parenting patterns. Recognizing and actively supporting fathers’ contributions should therefore be a clear priority for policy and practice.