Department

North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Abstract

Family structure plays a central role in shaping children’s understanding of gender roles, identity, and power relations. While extensive scholarship examines Black single motherhood, far less research focuses on African American single fathers and the daughters they raise. This gap reinforces dominant narratives of paternal absence while overlooking how fathers contribute to daughters’ gender socialization. Guided by Social Learning Theory, which suggests that children learn behaviors and norms through observation and modeling, this study examines how father-led households shape gender development. The central research question guiding this study is: How does being raised in an African American single-father household influence young Black women’s perceptions of gender roles and the concept of patriarchy? This research uses a qualitative design consisting of semi-structured interviews with African American single fathers and their daughters. Interviews explore parenting practices, father–daughter dynamics, and participants’ interpretations of femininity, masculinity, and gender expectations. Thematic analysis is used to identify recurring patterns in participants’ narratives. Preliminary findings suggest that daughters raised by single fathers often receive hybrid gender messages emphasizing independence, strength, and protection, while also developing unique perspectives on masculinity and patriarchal authority. This study contributes to existing literature by highlighting an understudied family structure and challenging stereotypes surrounding Black fatherhood. By centering the voices of daughters raised by single fathers, the research expands understandings of gender socialization and Black femininity within diverse family contexts.

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