Father-inclusion: a sensitising concept and framing strategy for addressing the systemic exclusion of men as-fathers across services

This article explores systemic exclusions of men as-fathers and caregivers by services, introducing the concept of father-inclusion as a sensitising concept and framing strategy with transformative potential across diverse social welfare contexts. Drawing on empirical data generated with a diverse sample of young fathers in the UK, aged 25 and under, and multi-agency professionals, the article highlights the social welfare contexts where men as-fathers experience exclusion, as well as how the language of father-inclusion, as a corollary, might be mobilised for progressive and systemic institutional and societal change. Building on a sociogenesis of father involvement and engagement, father-inclusion is introduced as a new concept for fatherhood research that (1) connects the diverse interests and perspectives of researchers, social welfare practitioners and policy makers to promote systems change, and (2) increases recognition and facilitation of fathers’ involvement in family dynamics, child development, and family and other social interventions.