Fathers and Daughters

This book explores important factors and processes operating in the father-daughter relationship, a subject that has received little attention, especially when compared to the subject of mother-daughter relations. Sue Sharpe uses the words and experiences of daughters and their fathers to draw out the complexities, contradictions and conflicts within their relationships. The research covers all stages of father-daughter relations from childhood to old age and highlights the most important aspects to emerge from these experiences. For instance, it looks at fathers who withold approval and at the effects that fathers may have on women's later relationships with men. In addition, the book documents some of the contradictions inherent in violent relationships between fathers and daughters. This glimpse into the lives of fathers and their daughters poses questions about the social nature of fathering and examines the effects of aging on the father-daughter relationship to reveal a gradualreversal of roles. A recurrent theme throughout the book is the complaint from daughters about their fathers' inability or reluctance to express their feelings. Offering a guided journey through a range of real-life father and daughter experiences,Fathers and Daughtersprovides fascinating insights into the most important processes operating within this relationship.