Intersectionality and fatherhood: Theorizing non-hegemonic fatherhoods

Contemporary research on fatherhood describes fatherhood as a multifaceted, dynamic social, and cultural construction, deeply affected by class, race, and gender inequalities. However, critics claim that dominant theories on fatherhood have been mostly elaborated based on middle-class, Anglo-centered, dominant, and mainstream fatherhood, whereas non-hegemonic, marginalized father groups have remained undertheorized. This article echoes this shortfall and proposes to theorize non-hegemonic fatherhood through a more inclusive theoretical framework capable of describing the social contexts that shape fathers' identities, behaviors, and cultures. Based on intersectional theories, the article argues for a theoretical revision of the ways in which these groups of non-hegemonic fathers are represented in research. To illustrate this, we provide some examples of studies based on case studies of marginalized fathers in Israel. Israel is rich ground for such research since it is characterized by traditional models of fatherhood, expressed through hegemonic models of masculinity, as well as normative family models in the context of high levels of ethnic and class inequality.