Perception of Fatherhood and Parenting Experience Among Korean Immigrant Fathers

Background. Numerous research has been conducted on fatherhood (Cowan & Cowan, 2019; Fagan & Cabrera, 2012; Lamb & Tamis-LeMonda, 2004), yet studies that examine the role of fathers in immigrant families and families with diverse backgrounds has been relatively new (Schoppe‐Sullivan & Fagan, 2020; Volling & Palkovitz, 2021). Few studies so far have examined how various social and cultural expectations have affected Asian immigrant fathers’ parenting and other paternal roles in their family lives. This study aims to address this knowledge gap, focusing on the first or 1.5 generation of Korean immigrant fathers (i.e., for those who were born in South Korea but immigrated to US). Specifically, this study explores two research questions: 1) what are father roles recognized by Korean immigrant fathers in the US? and 2) Compared to other American fathers or fathers living in South Korea, what are the unique difficulties being perceived as Korean immigrant fathers?

Methods. Six semi-structured virtual focus groups were conducted with 20 Korean fathers who are first or 1.5 generation immigrants and currently with at least one child aged 18 or under. Participants were recruited through social media and Korean communities (churches, Korean supermarkets, and Korean language schools). Of the 20 participants, 7 immigrated to the US (1.5 generation) when they were teens or younger and 13 immigrated to the States in their mid-to-late 20s (1^st generation). Five focus groups were interviewed in Korean and one in English, and the focus groups were lasted about 90 minutes. All interviews were recorded and transcribed in Korean or English; the research team used a thematic analysis approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to extract and refine themes for the analysis.

Results. Three major themes emerged for the roles of father. First, most participants described themselves as actively involved fathers (e.g., giving rides, spending playtime together, sharing carework [bathing, bedtime routine]). Second, even if they were actively involved fathers, participants were often perceived as a strict father rather than a nurturant father and as disciplinarians who imposed rules upon their children. Third, the first-generation immigrant fathers perceived their roles as competent tutors (e.g., teaching Korean language, math, science) to their children. Three themes emerged related to unique challenges as immigrant fathers in the US: 1) anxiety about the possibilities of their children facing racial discrimination. 2) fulfilling a role of immigrant father who should be actively involved in children’s lives so that children can have better lives, 3) Social isolation due to their narrow child-centered network of relationships.

Conclusion and Implication. This study elucidates the roles and challenges of the first and 1.5 generation Korean immigrant fathers in the US. Findings provide implications on developing targeted intervention to address specific needs and challenges faced by Korean immigrant fathers. Future research should examine additional challenges and needs of immigrant fathers in broader racial categories in order to promote their well-being, better mental health, and positive child development outcomes among children of immigrants.