The Experiences of Adolescent Boys in Tobago Whose Fathers Have Migrated
Date
2015-09-18
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The purpose of the current study is to explore the experiences of adolescent males on the Caribbean island of Tobago whose fathers have migrated, and to engage these adolescents in devising appropriate strategies to address possible problems, using participatory action research (PAR). The results of the study emphasized the gender responses in relation to the migration phenomenon on the Caribbean island of Tobago. In particular, participants’ stories described perceptions of the components of the father-son relationship and individuals’ understanding of some specific roles of a father within the family unit. Additionally, the young men pinpointed coping strategies that capitalized on resources within the individual as well as the social environment. Even more, participants used the emerging themes to identify solutions that targeted systems at the governmental, community and school levels. In the end, the young men collaborated with policymakers and the process assisted in consolidating possible short and long-term actions which could be implemented. Overall, the key findings suggest that the role of women in lives of adolescent left-behind males needs to be revisited especially in light of the family structure and relationships within Caribbean matrifocal societies where women are expected to fill gaps left by an absent father. Also, the support of the extended family, the community, and institutions is noteworthy. However such support is most effective when it includes avenues for filling the gap in the father-son relationship and recognizing the resiliency of the young men. Even more, the findings indicate that adolescent males accept substitute fathers with ambivalence and these young men of migrant fathers in Tobago are concerned about endangering the connection between father and son. Furthermore, concerning methodology, the present investigation demonstrates that engaging youth in a meaningful manner facilitates dialogue that encourages rich, in-depth description of life experiences. Also, the current study indicates that youth-friendly and male-friendly strategies such as modern technology and photography are useful for engaging youth and promoting the process of critically analyzing the impact of migration. Finally, the study supports photovoice as an effective way of creating a space for adolescent young men of migrant fathers in Tobago to discuss their issues and consider possible solutions.
Description
Keywords
Social Work
Citation
Dillon, M. (2015). The Experiences of Adolescent Boys in Tobago Whose Fathers Have Migrated (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/28147