Father Stories
History of Fatherhood
Excerpt: (Full post coming soon!)
Overall, for much of history, involved fathers have been considered those fathers who support "gender asymmetry, not gender equality" (Pleck, 2004, p. 51).
Involved fathers are expected to accept paternity and provide for their families, both physically and economically. They are expected to show their children affection and take on an equal share in childcare alongside their wives. Simply providing economic support is far from the only way a father can benefit his children. Research findings certainly advocate for positive father-child engagement. Involved fathers who can provide economic support as well as positive engagement, support, and parenting appear to benefit their children in powerful ways.
Adapted from: Pleck, E. H. (2004). Two dimensions of fatherhood: A history of the good dad-bad dad complex. In M. E. Lamb (Ed.), The Role of the Father in Child Development (pp. 32-57). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
