VIVENCIAS MASCULINAS ANTE EL ALEJAMIENTO FORZADO DE LOS HIJOS

This paper focuses on the understanding of the experiences of fathers committed to their paternity facing the physical and emotional distance from their children after a partner separation process. From a cultural perspective, it is assumed that the mother is the one who establishes a strong affective and physical bond with the children, while the father is often considered the material provider for the family and is expected to get away from his offspring once the couple disintegrates. The analysis of the cases of five men from the Eighth Region (Chile), from a social phenomenology perspective, shows that for these men the distancing has become a stable painful experience. These men also expressed the desire to be fathers and reported to possess the required qualities to care for their children despite the socio-legal obstacles that limit the continuity of their paternity and their efforts to stay close. This often brings consequences in their personal and social life, which are addressed in this study.