ABOUT THE BOOK
Fathering from the Margins | Published by Columbia University Press
Despite a decade of sociological research documenting black fathers’ significant level of engagement with their children, stereotypes of black men as “deadbeat dads” still shape popular perceptions and scholarly discourse. In Fathering from the Margins, sociologist Aasha M. Abdill draws on four years of fieldwork in low-income, predominantly black Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, to dispel these destructive assumptions. She considers the obstacles faced—and the strategies used—by black men with children.
THE BOOK IS ALREADY GETTING RAVE REVIEWS!
Fathering from the Margins is a captivating and well-written ethnographic study of African American fatherhood today. This work illuminates the everyday life of the urban ghetto while specifically dispelling stereotypes that black fathers are less involved than fathers of other races. Insightful and engrossing, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the black community today.
- Elijah Anderson, author of Code of the Street and The Cosmopolitan Canopy
Has involved fatherhood among low-income men existed all along with no public recognition, or is such parenting increasing through changing social norms and cultural forms? The answer is not exclusively one or the other. In exploring this question, Aasha M. Abdill has written a beautiful and honest ethnography of low-income black fathers in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant community that neither romanticizes nor pathologizes them. She traces the strategies fathers use to fulfill societal expectations of provision and caretaking and to reconcile the 'cool pose' with warm parent-child interactions. Through her keen observations and interviews with fathers, teachers, mothers, and grandmothers, Abdill handily illustrates how fatherhood is a collective enterprise that by its public practice generates more of the same.
- Roberta Coles, author of The Myth of the Missing Black Father
Fathering from the Margins reflects brilliant insight borne of compassion. Abdill’s is a unique scholarly endeavor emanating from a respect and love for Bedford-Stuyvesant and other marginalized communities. Her work fills a gap in ethnographic studies, dispels long-held myths and misperceptions about black fathers, uses hip-hop to illuminate black men’s pain and aspirations concerning fatherhood, and derives research-based policies to address the growing national trend of female-headed households. In this book, Abdill offers a breakthrough analysis for policy makers and practitioners who understand the pivotal role of strong families and communities.
- Colvin W. Grannum, President and CEO, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aasha M. Abdill is an independent scholar who advocates for the inclusion of marginalized voices in the scholarship informing initiatives dedicated to family and community socioeconomic empowerment. Dr. Abdill, a proud HBCU alum, also holds advanced degrees in quantitative methodology from Columbia University and sociology from Princeton University.
Click here for an exclusive interview with Columbia University Press where Aasha talks about her mom bias studying fathers; HipHop and black fatherhood; the problem with the term "single mothers"; and the differences between what academics cared about versus what community folk cared about in her research.
Click here to read a thought-provoking 6 minute read on why stereotypes about black fathers still exist.
Click Here to Order the Book Today on Amazon!
REAL TALK ON THE PRICE OF THIS BOOK
Books published by academic presses typically cost substantially more than those published commercially. Authors of academic books have little say in the price point of their books. One reason given for the higher cost is that academic books must undergo a rigorous, multiyear, peer and editorial review process, during which other scholars critique the work of the author so as to ultimately bring the reader a stronger piece of scholarship. Academic books are also meant to sell directly to university libraries and university bookstores, not to the average person. As such, the first print run is typically small and solely in the more expensive hardcover format. If it sells well, then a lower-priced paperback will be released. The author hopes that Fathering from the Margins will sell well enough that a mass market copy at a much lower price will eventually be released making the information in it accessible to everyone! Realistically though, that could be years from now.
In the meantime, there are other ways you can support and access the book. If you are a college student or faculty please advocate that your library carry it. You can also ask your local public library to do the same. If you work with black fathers and families, consider using your professional development budget to purchase an office copy that can be lent out to the population you serve. If you work with segregated populations that may hold negative beliefs about black men and families, please consider doing the same.
The public should not have to wait to have access to scholarship that universities get immediately. Therefore, the author will use this website and the larger #fatheringfrom campaign to share insights and to spark dialogue with all who are interested but may not be able to afford that good ‘ole college textbook price. Make sure to follow fatheringfrom on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook to stay up-to-date and in-the-know. If you can afford the book, please do consider purchasing it. The beautifully commissioned artwork on the front hardcover of the first edition was created by a black father and brilliantly adds to the value of the richness of information held within. Not to mention, it would make an excellent gift for Father's Day. Click here for more ways to support the #fatheringfrom campaign.
