Abstract

RENDON SALAZAR, Abraham Ernesto  and  SALGUERO VELAZQUEZ, María Alejandra. Becoming a Good Father: Work and Fatherhood in Tutunakú Men from the Sierra Norte de Puebla. Intersticios sociales [online]. 2022, n.23, pp.349-371.  Epub Apr 04, 2022. ISSN 2007-4964.  https://doi.org/10.55555/is.23.438.

This study is part of a larger research project on gender and indigenous men. The objective is to analyze the work activities, paternity, and fathering practices of two generations of Tutunakú men from the Sierra Norte in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Previous research has documented that the primary function of fathers in this indigenous society is to provide for, and maintain, family subsistence. However, it is necessary to reflect on whether they configure and establish relations with their sons and daughters during their daily activities as parents, or in their workspaces. To explore this, we adopted a qualitative methodology that prioritizes the analysis of meanings and significance through in-depth interviews to become familiar with their life trajectories. Results show that fatherhood goes beyond simply providing for the family. Men’s work allows them to meet their families’ subsistence needs, but it is in their parenting practices that men incorporate caring activities and foment independence in their sons and daughters. Complying with these premises allows them to be valued by the community as responsible men and fathers.

Keywords : masculinity; gender; indigenous parents; Totonac; parenting practices.