Australian Fatherhood Research Network

Australian Fatherhood Research Network

The Australian Fatherhood Research Network was launched at a seminar sponsored by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, and supported by the Family Action Centre, at the University of Newcastle in April 2008. The seminar was attended by experienced researchers and policy makers; the document ARACY-participants describes the seminar’s outcomes and key personnel. To find out more about the discussion, download the ARACY-full-report.

Briefly, the aim of the network is to promote high-quality collaborative research into fatherhood and fathering in Australia by encouraging researchers, academics, managers, practitioners and those developing policy to pay attention to the important role that fathers play in family and community life.

Priority areas for research

The ARACY seminar developed four broad priority areas: critical reflection and definition of the concept of fatherhood; research on marginalised fathers; evaluation of service programs for fathers; and father-specific research methodology. These priority research areas are described fully in the document ARACY-priorities.

Directory of fatherhood research in Australia

A listing of current fatherhood research is available through the ARACY website. Researchers can post their research projects and make contact with colleagues with similar interests. To find out more, go to the ARACY AFRN page.

Network bulletin

Want to keep up to date on fatherhood research? Recent reports, conferences and policy developments relevant to fatherhood research are now available through a regular electronic bulletin. The bulletin is free to subscribers: to join the subscription list simply email Richard Fletcher.

“What do we know?” topic groups

For topics of particular interest or importance small groups of researchers will assess the state of existing research, identify potential sources of data and propose initial research tasks to be undertaken. There are four topic groups established to date:

1. Fathers' role in children’s literacy

2. Separated fathers

3. Fathers’ influence on mothers’ breastfeeding

4. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fathers.

To participate in a topic group, contact Richard Fletcher.

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