Fathers and Children

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how over the past couple of decades, the roles played by both the man and the woman have changed from the traditional provider and nurturer (respectively) to include more of a mix of the two responsibilities. It discusses the premise that not only has the importance of a father's role been challenged, but also the very idea that fathers are even necessary at all. It also discusses how, out of this debate, there has emerged a negative portrayal of the male gender and traits that seem to be innate in the masculine psyche, leaving a virtual vacuum in terms of any standard by which young boys and youth can attempt to aspire.

From the Paper:

"Fathers appear to be central in helping sons develop a conscience and a sense of responsible manhood. Fathers teach boys that being manly need not mean being predatory or aggressive. By contrast, when the father is absent, male children tend to get their ideas of what it means to be a man from their peers. Fathers play an indispensable civilizing role in the social ecosystem; therefore, fewer fathers more male violence (Hoffman, 130). It is no longer subject to debate that one of the major factors of delinquency, criminal behavior, the rise in prison population, prostitution, and a whole host of other immoral and anti-social behavior is the lack of a strong, masculine positive fathers or father figures playing a vital role in their children's lives."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Benson, Peter L.. The Troubled Journey. Minneapolis: Search Institute, 1993), 8
• Biller, Henry. "The Father Factor and the Two-Parent Advantage: Reducing the Paternal Deficit," presented to the father-to-father working group meeting with White House advisor William Galston. 15 April 1994.
• Cantor, Carla. "The Father Factor." Working Mother. June 1991. 39-43.
• Elias, Marilyn. "Dad's Role Crucial to Caring Kids," USA Today. 30 May 1990. 1A
• Elshtain, Jean Bethke. "Family Matters: The Plight of America's Children." Christian Century.14-21 July 1993, 710

More papers on Fathers and Children:

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• Term Paper # 46633 : "Single Fathers and Child Custody"
• Research Paper # 49625 : "African-American Fathers? Absenteeism"

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