Batang Ama: Lived Experiences of Young Fathers in Metro Manila

Abstract

The lives and experiences of young fathers in the country have always been unexplored and understudied over the past decades. As a result, they are usually invisible in the issue of early parenthood. This study intended to explore the lived experiences of young fathers in order to fill the gaps of knowledge regarding early parenthood. In detail, its objectives were to 1) identify what characterizes young fathers; 2) identify what causes early fatherhood; 3) describe how becoming a young father affects the life of an individual and 4) identify challenges brought by early fatherhood in the local context. This study employed a purely qualitative research strategy. Since the population of young fathers is difficult to gain access to, respondents were recruited through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews with nine young fathers (aged 16-21) from Metro Manila were conducted to gather data. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used as the research design. Key themes and patterns were identified from the interview transcripts. The findings of the study contradict the general assumption that young fathers avoid responsibility. The results of this study could help in expanding knowledge about teenage fathers who are usually under-represented in the issue of early parenthood. Also, the results could raise consciousness of service providers and professionals in education, social care and health in helping teenage fathers meet their needs to ensure well-being.