ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to describe how men learn about fatherhood. Empirical data are drawn from a research study in which a theoretical explanation of the meaning of fatherhood was developed from the experiences of New Zealand men in families at risk of poor health outcomes. Men described becoming–and then being–fathers as a process of observational and relational learning throughout the life-course. I begin with an appraisal of literature about fatherhood followed by an explanation of the research method. Findings are presented using the personal narratives of participants to identify and elaborate key themes related to learning and fatherhood. Results from this study contribute to the growing awareness of fatherhood as a complex phenomenon, raising questions about the need for its critical examination within the contexts of gender, masculinities, family and lifelong learning.
