A pastoral approach to unemployed young fathers

Abstract

The study was undertaken from a pastoral care perspective in order to understand the subjective effects of unemployment on young fathers and to ultimately develop a healing methodology for them. A qualitative approach was sought and 17 participants were invited to participate in the study. The sampling group was from the residents of Soweto, a township in Johannesburg, in South Africa. The political landscape of South Africa captured the researcher's attention and the researcher decided to examine how the current government of South Africa added to the high unemployment rate that has affected the young fathers. Am empirical study was conducted among young fathers between the ages 20 to 40 in order to understand their subjective experiences. Partners of unemployed young fathers were also interviewed and a wealth of information, which was significant to this study, was gathered. Pastors of different denominations were also invited to participate in this study in order to understand how much attention was being given to the unemployed young fathers. In order to validate the data that was collected from the unemployed young fathers and partners of unemployed young fathers; health professionals were also invited to participate in this study. Interviews were conducted with a social worker, physician and a psychologist. These participants provided a wealth of information that gave a deeper understanding, and a clearer perspective, on how unemployment affects the young fathers, their children, partners and family members. A healing methodology was then developed by the researcher which was guided by authentic pastoral care theology and the researcher went all out to make sure that the healing methodology he proposed is S.M.A.R.T i.e. it is Specific as it targets young unemployed fathers, it is Measurable as it suggests an indicator of progress in the process of healing, it is Assignable as it specifies who will do what, it is Realistic, meaning the ultimate goal of healing can be achieved and lastly that it is Testable through the wealth of theological models that were used. The study ends with the findings and recommendations for future research.