Gender differentiated perceptions held for triggers of child neglect in post-conflict northern Uganda
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Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Gender Studies
Abstract
Although considerable research exists on Child Neglect (CN), genderdifferentiated
perceptions that fuel CN are not yet known. In the patriarchal
family settings, the perception often held of mothers is that of
childcare and fathers as providers. Drawing on interviews with 35 parents
reported for CN in post-conflict northern Uganda, this paper explores the
gendered triggers of CN and interventions directed at children under CN.
The paper uses radical feminism and nested ecological theories to examine
gendered perceptions often held about motherhood and fatherhood
in relation to childcare and explains the risk factors for CN for caretakers
from northern Uganda. Narrative responses were audio-recorded and
transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was used to scrutinize parents’
perceptions on CN. Parents highlighted triggers for CN as; spousal separation
and custody of children, polygamy, disorientation of cultural and
social norms and the burden of single parenting. Case reporting and
community dialogues were identified as interventions. The paper argues
for mainstreaming gender into family and child protection strategies for
improved childcare while targeting both fathers and mothers to enhance
safety of children. This paper contributes to the debate on CN by bringing
out gender perspectives on parents’ intentional CN in northern Uganda.
Description
Keywords
Gender, Child neglect, Motherhood, Fatherhood, Post-conflict
Citation
Anicent Nyangoma, F. Ebila & J. Omona (2021) Gender differentiated perceptions held for triggers of child neglect in post-conflict northern Uganda, Journal of Gender Studies, 30:4, 440-451, DOI: 10.1080/09589236.2021.1882295