A Role Theory Perspective on Patterns of Separated and Divorced African-American Nonresidential Father Involvement with Children

Involvement of African-American fathers with their children after separation and divorce has been minimally addressed in the literature. Using data from the National Survey of Families and Households, this study explores the relationship between nonresidential father involvement and various aspects of father role enactment among separated and divorced African-American fathers. Levels of participation in face-to-face visits, telephone/letter contact, and global decision-making concerning children were analyzed. Support is offered for the relationship between father involvement with children and various factors associated with social role enactment among nonresidential fathers.