The Social Construction of Black Fatherhood in Responsible Fatherhood Policies

Responsible fatherhood legislation bridges the gap between two explicit family policies in order to serve fathers: The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 and the Child Support Enforcement Act of 1975. Historically, these two polices have been racialized and discourse surrounding them may contribute to negative cultural formula stories about the primary targets of responsible fatherhood programs: low-income Black fathers. The first article addresses the question of whether and how congressional discourse disrupts or legitimizes negative cultural formula stories about Black fatherhood. This study examines congressional discourse during hearings on fatherhood legislation. Members of congress legitimized cultural formula stories by constructing welfare fathers as deadbeats. Primary themes included serial illegitimacy and parental abandonment. Members of congress also disrupted cultural formula stories by constructing welfare fathers as dead broke. The second article addresses the same question, but it is asked of the first Black President of the United States, Barack Obama. Presidential statements surrounding the unconcerned Black father served to reproduce negative cultural formula stories of Black fatherhood by depicting this kind of father as lazy, prone to fathering children with multiple women (serial illegitimacy), and disinterested in fatherhood overall. The institutionalized Black father embodies negative characteristics but his absence and instability stems from historical oppression and socioeconomic disadvantages. In addition, it changes the single story often found in negative cultural formula stories of Black fatherhood. Lastly, the self-sacrificing Black father embodies Obama’s ideal characteristics of Black fatherhood by working tirelessly and sacrificing his own well-being for the betterment of his family. The third article compares congressional and presidential discourse to better understand interpretive conflicts in the meanings of responsible fatherhood. Both members of congress and President Obama presented some negative cultural codes in their discourse on fathers. For members of congress, a large-scale demonstration project conducted with low-income, nonresidential, non-custodial fathers helped to shift their cultural formula stories. On the other hand, President Obama’s in-group status allowed him to construct a more diverse spectrum of Black fatherhood. ©2019 by Azaliah B. Israel All Rights Reserved Acknowledgements The completion of this dissertation has been the most laborious, cumbersome, and dramatic task that I have ever undertaken. It is one that will likely only be surpassed by the birth of my first child (whenever that is). As my forefather David exclaims, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes (Psalms 119:71). All praises to the Most High God for proving me and finding me worthy of the title “Dr. Israel”. All praises for the Saviour whose sacrifice has strengthened me a thousand times over during this journey. An abundance of gratitude to the sons of God who have restored my faith in Black manhood and have given me a reason to hope. Every thanks imaginable to my enduring sisterhood. The books are being written. Know that you have a place in my story. Azarayah, Abygail, Ahavah, Judith, Anat, Iscah, Elizabeth, Kaniyah, Yahara, JoAnna, Zara, Semira, Aviyah, Anaiah, Zion, Zipporah, Keziyah, Ramiah, Yocheved, Neziyah, Reu, Anavah, Odiyah, Vanniah, Akiva, Gemariah, Gabby, Amina, Amaziyah, *Jaazah, Kyra, Leah, Alliyz, Candace, Esther, Zibiyah, Ada, Atara, Shiphrah, Faiza, Jessica, Shiphrah, Ohanna, Yofee, Roni, Jael, Monica, Zaharah, Aliza Raya, Brittany, Melissa, Kathryn, and Cresha. I have had so much support that I have undoubtedly missed some names. The angels have a better memory than me. Your works are recorded sis. Shout out to the Panera Bread franchise and the Metro Northwest Oklahoma City public library that provided the tranquility I needed while living away from my home institution during the completion of this project. These two physical spaces more than any others contributed to my mental clarity while writing. Monday motivation from Dr. Eric Thomas and green tea Frappuccinos from Stella Nova are two things I couldn’t go without. To my committee chair, Dr. Anna Zajicek, thank you for your mentorship and for having high expectations for me and my work. You have witnessed the very best times of my life and some of the worst. I will not forget that you remained supportive throughout it all. To my committee members, Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby and Dr. Ed Bengtson, thank you for valuable feedback and your patience throughout this process. The greatest fear of a Doctoral candidate is an adversarial and difficult committee. I experienced the exact opposite of that. My interactions with you have helped to transform me into an independent scholar. Dedication For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Romans 8:19 To my fathers and brothers scattered throughout the four corners The World waits on you