Freeing up the subject: Tension between traditional masculinity and involved fatherhood through communication about sexuality with adolescents

An Australian study of communication among young people aged 12-14 and their parents suggested an explanation for difficulties experienced by fathers in communicating about sexuality with their children: namely, the positioning of fathers within the discourses of both traditional masculinity and involved fatherhood. These incompatible subject positions frequently led to problems, confusion, or withdrawal from overt communication about sexuality. In-depth interviews were conducted with 51 people (19 adolescents, 18 mothers and 14 fathers) from 19 families. Parents discussed experiences of communicating about sexuality during their childhood as well as in their current families, allowing insight into at least three generations. In spite of the dominance of traditional masculinity, there was evidence that fathers struggled also to position themselves as men who valued relationships and endorsed co-operation between the sexes. This paper highlights barriers to increased connection and intimacy for fathers who appear to desire such relationships with their children.