Fathers' perceptions of their role in family mealtimes : a grounded theory study

Objective: This study examines how fathers negotiate the role of feeding with other family members, and how this both impacts and is shaped by the structure of mealtimes. Design: Six separate focus groups. Setting: South East Queensland, Australia. Participants: Fathers (N = 27) of children aged ≤12 years employed in blue-collar occupations or service industries. Phenomenon of Interest: Fathers' perceptions of their role in family feeding. Analysis: Grounded theory. Results: Two major themes were identified: (1) mealtime structure, reflecting various arrangements and management procedures that give ultimate shape to mealtimes; and (2) division of labor, reflecting the work required to bring about such arrangements and how this work is allocated. These themes were interrelated and harmonized to create family mealtimes. Fathers felt that labor was assigned pragmatically; designated roles around feeding within the family facilitated structured mealtimes. Conclusions and Implications: Fathers' roles in balancing the labor and structured mealtimes to feed the family require further research attention, particularly across different family structures, to enhance their engagement in and contribution to the family meal environment. Offering cooking programs and meal planning education to fathers may support them in their different roles and enhance efficiency.