Abstract
Twenty-five pairs of U.S. fathers and young children (aged 1-12 years) were audio-recorded while sharing a snack with one another. The naturally-occurring conversation was analyzed to identify the socialization features present in the conversations. Our analysis revealed four main themes in father-child interaction surrounding food: Instruction, Playfulness, Sharing Experiences, and Disclosure; each theme was comprised of several sub-themes. These patterns were analyzed to emphasize the instrumental and relational work that fathers do with children in brief food-related experiences, countering prevailing U.S. norms that mothers are the primary socializing agents for young children and that intensive, structured mealtimes are required for children to experience positive relational and health benefits.
Presenters
Christina YoshimuraProfessor, Communication Studies, University of Montana, Montana, United States Julia Tonne
Student, Masters of Communication , University of Montana, Montana, United States Grant Lane
Zita Ottersbach
Graduate Student, Communication Studies , University of Montana, Montana, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Fathers, Children, Socialization, Communication
Digital Media
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