Father Involvement in Childrearing Activities in the Context of Arsi Oromo Culture: Implications for Intervention

Abstract

The major purpose of this study is to examine the level and dimensions of
Arsi Oromo fathers’ involvement in childrearing activities and to identify the underlying
factors that affect their involvement. A mixed methods research design was employed
in the study. Questionnaire, focus group discussion (FGD) and observation were
used to collect data from a sample of 260 (221 fathers for the questionnaire, 7
households for observation, and 32 discussants for FGDs) Arsi Oromo parents.
Purposive, simple random and stratified random sampling techniques were employed
for selecting samples. One-sample t-test, independent samples t-test and one-way
ANOVA were used to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic technique was
employed to analyze the qualitative data. The study revealed several important
findings. First, Arsi fathers were far less involved in the dimension of direct interaction
and physical care activities with their children. Second, the majority of Arsi fathers
perceived their fathering roles as bread-winning, resolving disputes within the lineage
and community, and representing the family in public gatherings as well as ritual
ceremonies. Third, there was no substantial variation between rural and urban
fathers’ involvement in childrearing activities. Fourth, statistically significant variation
was obtained in the involvement of Arsi Oromo fathers by the educational level and
occupational status. Fifth, gender role attitude and orientation, cultural and societal
expectations, traditional beliefs, traditionally defined sex-segregated-roles, fathers’
perceived workloads in outdoor activities, patriarchal family structure, and traditional
gender identity were perceived as factors affecting Arsi Oromo father’s level of
involvement in childrearing activities. The results imply that Arsi Oromo fathers play
insignificant roles in the direct child care activities, and mothers bear the
responsibilities of socializing and child caring.