PhD defence J.E.M. (Justine) van de Beek

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

Young fathers remain strikingly under-represented in the discourse, even though research has long demonstrated the importance of paternal involvement for both parents and children. Policy, care services, and public debate focus primarily on (young) mothers. Moreover, young parenthood is often automatically associated with vulnerability. This dissertation shows that such a one-sided perspective is inadequate. By examining both vulnerability and resilience, and by looking at how social relationships shape the experiences of young fathers, a more nuanced picture emerges. 

The findings debunk two persistent myths. The first is that young parents are inherently vulnerable. Conversations with young fathers reveal that, while they often initially perceive the pregnancy as a setback, they subsequently demonstrate resilience. They are motivated and self-confident, proactively tackling practical challenges such as housing and income. However, this resilience has a downside: young fathers often allow themselves little space to process their emotions and rarely seek or accept support. 

Young parents' relationships are also frequently viewed primarily through the lens of vulnerability, with an emphasis on conflict. Yet, conversations with young parents show that these relationships almost invariably contain elements of both vulnerability and resilience, though the balance between the two varies. Relationships characterized by resilience are often bolstered by a strong social network. This demonstrates that shared resilience stems not only from individual efforts but also from the social environment. However, that environment does not act solely as a protective factor; family interference can exacerbate relationship tensions.

This leads to the second myth: that social support in the context of young fatherhood automatically fosters resilience. Conversations with young fathers and their family members reveal that family support is often accompanied by tension. Interference can undermine the autonomy and consequently the resilience of young fathers. Family members act based on their own values, concerns, and interests, while simultaneously facing the risk of becoming overburdened by their caregiving responsibilities. 

Furthermore, a survey among midwives and maternity care assistants indicates that providing appropriate support is challenging. Although these professionals hold a positive view of young fathers and report providing significant support, the forms of assistance they prioritize, such as emotional support, do not always align with the fathers' actual needs. 

Collectively, these findings demonstrate that young fatherhood cannot be understood through a one-sided focus on vulnerability and the individual. They underscore the importance of a more nuanced perspective that also highlights resilience and the complex role of social relationships.