The Identity Development of Urban Minority Young Men in Single-Mother Households

This phenomenological study explored the gender and career identity development of 13 urban minority young men, with an emphasis on the potential impact of father absence and single-mother parenting. Six themes were identified: (a) emotional intelligence and maternal appreciation and internalization, (b) consequent assumption of a parentified role, (c) nontraditional perception of masculinity, (d) experienced paternal void, (e) resilience, and (f) the limitations and aspirations in career pathways. Implications for practice and research are discussed.