ABSTRACT

First published in 1984, this groundbreaking title explores the concept of fatherhood, by following a hundred men who become fathers for the first time. The book is addressed to men who are discovering fatherhood and to women who wish to hear what a man feels and thinks about having a child.

Many men experience the strange problems of the male couvade. They have everything from mysterious back ache to inexplicable stomach pains. Later they frequently find that the white-coated professionals shut the door on their doubts and needs and their shy search for information.

Brian Jackson’s book cautiously explores changing attitudes to fatherhood emerging at the time of the book’s initial publication. In recent years we have gone through a unique revolution in man’s experience of woman and child. There is surprise at the costs and demands of parenthood, so much so that both parents may move from a honeymoon phase of parenthood into the birth of the blues. Previously this has been thought of as a female, hormonal readjustment, but since men speak of identical symptoms, this study suggests that, at the roots, lies the strain of unprepared parenthood.

The traditional father is still there – showing off his medals, his tattoos, his rugby triumphs and his unconcern for the gentler aspects of life. So is the man who simply hunts in the economic jungle, and expects his home to service him. But most of these men now waver and hedge their bets. They look at their child as they return from their working day, or as they slump into unemployment, and wonder if they could be more positive, more creative, more licensed to care.

part One|27 pages

On the Brink

chapter 1|16 pages

The Invisible Man

chapter 2|9 pages

Figures in a Landscape

part Two|31 pages

Full Fathom Five

chapter 3|5 pages

‘Darling, I've News for You’

chapter 4|6 pages

Decision Taker

chapter 5|5 pages

Action Man

chapter 6|7 pages

Doubtful Days

chapter 7|6 pages

Couvade

part Three|37 pages

Coming Up for Air

chapter 8|10 pages

Nativity

chapter 9|7 pages

Being there

chapter 10|7 pages

Coming Home

chapter 11|11 pages

Baby Days

part Four|37 pages

On the Outside, Looking Inside

chapter 12|10 pages

‘The Child Grows Towards the Father’

chapter 13|10 pages

Androgyny and the Imperatives of Work

chapter 14|9 pages

Everyman

chapter 15|6 pages

Conclusion