Dinámica Familiar de Hogares Monoparentales con el Padre en Situación de Desempleo, del Programa Municipal Casa Obrera, Cuenca – Ecuador, periodo 2025

Abstract

In recent years, single-parent families headed by men have gained greater visibility in Latin America, although they remain underexplored in social research and are scarcely considered in public policies, which tend to focus primarily on single mothers. In Ecuador, unemployment and labor precariousness directly affect family dynamics, limiting economic resources and weakening paternal authority. In response to this issue, the present study aimed to analyze the family dynamics of single-parent households with fathers in a situation of unemployment belonging to the Municipal Program Casa Obrera in Cuenca in 2025. A qualitative phenomenological approach with a descriptive scope was applied, using semi-structured interviews processed with Atlas.ti software. The results revealed diverse family structures, explicit norms, and mostly clear boundaries, although in some cases weakened by the intervention of ex-partners. Paternal roles were defined in most households, protective alliances were present, and in four families, coalitions against the father undermined his authority. Regarding family dynamics, balanced communication, cohesion, mutual support, and adaptability to significant changes predominated. In conclusion, the study confirms that despite economic and social limitations, fathers manage to sustain protective and resilient bonds, redefining fatherhood beyond material provision and placing care and emotional presence at the center. These findings highlight the need for inclusive public policies in Ecuador that recognize and strengthen the role of fathers as primary caregivers.