Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Psychology)
The absence of a father in family life is an occurrence which is
experienced in almost every family. The absent-father refers to
the father who, as a result of certain circumstances, cannot properly
fulfill his role as father in the family circle. It appears
that this phenomenon is gradually on the increase and it is apparent
that parents increasingly feel the necessity to obtain
guidance in respect of this particular problem. Several factors
contribute towards the phenomenon of father-absence. The most general
reason for this occurrence is the father's responsibility
towards his occupation. The absent-father could also create the
image of a father being physically present yet being psychologically
absent. In this script an endeavour has been made to grasp
the phenomenon of fatherly absence and the influence it could
possibly have on a child.
The purpose of this study is to determine, in the light of certain
studies of literature and empirical research, the influence
the fatherly absence has on a child. The purpose of this exercise
is dual. Firstly it entails a literature study and secondly an
empirical research. A relevant critical survey has been conducted
in respect of the role the father plays in the family and in particular
with special reference to the differential role of the
father in the life of the son and daughter. The study of relevant
literature further entails a critical study of fatherly absence
and the influence it could have on the son and daughter.