The Tragedy of Absent Fathers

"A father can provide a doorway to the world. His interaction forms part of the foundation, integral to identity formation, and the expression of one's truth. At each stage of a child's development, the relationship with the father affects the sense of self and gives the confidence to express creative potential (Kavaler-Adler, 1993, p. 187). Until recently, a veil surrounded the father/child relationship and denied the problems and wounds."

"Western culture, with its patriarchal heritage, silenced their dynamics. Countless generations of fathers had no time or accountability to participate in family life, and their influence became submerged in the unconscious. Yet, according to the classical concepts of Jungian analytical thought, the archetypal images of father and child are timeless and contain the seeds of increasing consciousness. The images are perceived through a variety of symbols and cast from the personal and historical, conscious and unconscious interactions."

"Here, the importance of the father is emphasized as both an outer and an inner object or figure in development. This writing is an attempt to articulate a problem that is, or should be, preoccupying us in our times. The absence is something many can identify with, as it is sadly not an uncommon story. The wounds from the absence of a father scar, but once understood and integrated gradually, can become a source for development."

A father provides a doorway to the world and his interactions form part of the foundation of identity and the expression of one's truth. At each developmental stage, the father-child relationship shapes the sense of self and fosters confidence to express creative potential. Western patriarchal culture historically silenced father-child dynamics, leaving many fathers distant or absent and their influence submerged in the unconscious. Archetypal images of father and child are timeless and manifest through personal, historical, cultural, religious, mythic, and unconscious symbols. The absence of a father wounds but, when understood and integrated, those wounds can become sources for development and growth.

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