This qualitative study of the roles and functions of Black noncustodial fathers explored the fathers' perspective on fatherhood in the context of the traditional view of fatherhood in the United States. Thirty-eight adult Black noncustodial fathers participated in the study. Black fathers based their perception of what noncustodial fathers should do as fathers on their childhood experiences with their own fathers. Their perspective on the roles and responsibilities of fatherhood contrasted sharply with that of the dominant culture.
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