Abstract This paper will combine three poems that have been analyzed to create a theme amongst the different writers discussed. The poems: "Photograph of my Father in his Twenty Second Year" by Raymond Carter, "My Father in the Navy: A Childhood Memory" by Judith Ortiz Cofer and "My Papa's Waltz" Theodore Roethke, will all be discussed on the grounds that they all have in common, fathers. The poems will be discussed according to the perception of fatherhood through the eyes of the individual poets.
Abstract The paper discusses Wilson's opinion and vision of fatherhood in the story and what critics think about this vision. The paper shows how Wilson's opinion of fatherhood in this play is colored by his own experiences and inability to understand and forgive his father. The paper illustrates how his portrayal of Troy Maxson is therefore partially based on his strained relationship with his stepfather. The paper discusses how Wilson's hope is to allow sons to learn from their fathers, while not committing the same mistakes their fathers made. However, the paper points out that his play illustrates just how difficult it is for fathers and sons to put the past behind them.
From the Paper "The play follows the lives of the Maxson family, Troy, the father, and Cory and Lyons, his sons. Like most fathers, Troy wants more for his sons than he has, but he often goes about influencing them the wrong way. Wilson based the quarrels between father and sons on his own relationship with his father and stepfather, which may explain why his portrayal of fatherhood is so difficult to read. Critic Sandra G. Shannon notes, "The playwright's own turbulent passage into manhood with neither financial nor emotional support from his father is reflected in the escalating battle royal between the antagonistic Troy and his defiant son Cory" (Shannon 92)."
Abstract An examination of the literature which deals with divorce and single parenting. The writer shows that most of this literature is written from a female perspective. This paper analyzes the male perspective. It shows how men are misrepresented in the court system and how few single-parent families are headed by the father. The writer discusses what changes need to be made in the judicial and welfare systems.
From the Paper "Consider the comment below, made by a participant in a support group for non-custodial fathers in Toronto, Canada: There is a wide perception that we aren"t important, that we have a small role to play in our children's lives. In the legal system, we"re treated like enemies. On television, we?re bumbling fools like Homer Simpson. Few people take us seriously (Leving & Kenick, 1999). "
Abstract This paper compares the father figures in Dubus' two works. It explores their action and motivations for their actions and comes to highlight why fatherhood can be painful. It expands on the fathers' need to protect their children and discusses the moral and ethical outcome of their actions. The paper offers quotes from both texts to qualify points made.
From the Paper "The murderer Richard Strout gets out of jail on bond awaiting trial, and Matt's wife Ruth keeps seeing her son's killer around town ("...she sees him all the time, it makes her cry" (p. 65). Meanwhile, Matt "every day in his soul... shot Richard Strout in the face..." (p. 68). His motivation is thus two-fold, to protect his wife from having to see her son's killer face to face everyday, and to avenge the senseless death of his son, which he cannot escape from. "...Since it happened he had not been able to think about any of the small pleasures he believed he had earned, as he had earned also what was shattered now forever; the quietly harried and quietly pleasurable days of fatherhood" (p. 65). "
Abstract This paper analyzes the book "Family Man: Fatherhood, Housework and Gender Equity," written in 1996 by sociologist Scott Coltrane. The paper describes Coltrane's view that men have become more involved with the household responsibilities over the past several decades. The paper also briefly describes Coltrane's ten general trends that he discusses in his book.
From the Paper "Coltrane spends a great deal of his book giving evidence about how men are helping out more around the house and with the children. However, in the last chapter, he hedges by saying that changes are occurring slowly and the division of labor depends on the mindset of the couple--traditional and conservative versus more liberal and open minded. "Yet overall men still do considerably less than their wives around the house," admits Coltrane. Factors such as long-term gender roles, greater importance on the man's role over the woman's, and women who feel guilty about handing over the broom, will take longer to change (p. 230)."
Abstract This paper attempts to substantiate the theory that the absence of the African-American fathers' role in the life of their children creates an environment conducive for maladjusted children. It explores the topic in order to reflect the fact that the absence of fatherhood in all cultures does demonstrate a similar alarming trend. It shows how there are many factors that enhance or lessen the effects fathers may have on their children, whether it is the quality or quantity of the time spent with their children, and analyzes whether there is a distinction between the results of one over the other.
Outline
Introduction
Background: Paternal Influences of Fatherhood Environmental Causes of Absentee Fatherhood in
African American Families: Effects on Children?
Poverty
Gender
Statistical Confirmation of the African American Family Poverty
Education
Unemployment
Divorce
Institutional Racism
Unwarranted Incarceration
Impact on Children
Attachment and Fatherhood Relevance of Theory
Practice Concerns
Summary Conclusions
From the Paper "There is a space between where the conflict ends and where the effect of disorganization begins. It is at this point that we can view the changes that are the result of the many violent constraints and exploitations. Furthermore, we can explore this problem of African American fatherhood absenteeism through a concept called Social and Cultural Disorganization (Lowery, 1974). This theory was explored in Chicago between 1920 and the 1930?s. Disorganization was defined as "a disintegration of the values and rules that govern everyday behavior". In my judgment, Social Disorganization is what we see within the context of this African American male population in the form of lack of hope, hooked on dope, violent crime, mate bashing (Domestic violence), and absenteeism from fatherhood responsibilities, which is herewith being examined."
Abstract This paper examines how the term "single parent" is often associated with mothers struggling to raise their children after divorce, widowhood, or abandonment. It looks at how a growing number of single parents are fathers, many of whom are rearing children on their own by choice or because of unexpected circumstances. It analyzes the social phenomenon of single fatherhood by providing an overview of statistics on single fatherhood and the reasons why men opt to parent solo. It also looks at the unique obstacles and difficulties that single fathers face. In the conclusion, this paper looks at the various solutions available for single fathers and makes recommendations on programs that could ease the burdens associated with single fatherhood.
From the Paper "Other fathers gain sole custody of their children because of the mother's drug or alcohol problems. California resident Eric Hilton, for example, faced losing his baby after he and his wife were deemed unfit parents due to alcoholism. Hilton promptly attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and parenting classes. He made a full recovery, while his wife opted to continue drinking. As a result, Hilton is now the fulltime father to his 22-month-old son and three-year old daughter (McKim)."
Abstract The paper reviews this essay, written by a professional writer, David Osbourne, who also defined himself as a "househusband". The paper assesses the claim by Osbourne, that his staying at home upset conventional gender norms and changed the way childcare is valued in society.
From the Paper "It is interesting that, even in defense of nontraditional gender roles, there is a certain level of defensiveness in Osborne's own explanation of what he does all day. This has his roots in the societal attitudes Osborne is subjected to as someone whose child is not cared for in the standard way by parents in conventionally accepted gender roles. A father is supposed to be an economic provider rather than a nurturer. A father is supposed to be outside of the home and come home at night, rather than the child's mother. Even though Osborne clearly works, because he is able to labor in the conventionally female realm of the home, his work is supposed to have less value in the eyes of society. "
Abstract This paper examines how the need for better enforcement of child support laws is evident through a survey that showed that fewer than one-fifth of inner-city children born to single teenage mothers receive child support from their fathers and often do not receive anything. It evaluates how the Child Support Distribution Act proposes a number of provisions that are beneficial to low-income children, families and non-custodial fathers. It examines how provisions promoting responsible fatherhood will help poorly-employed and unskilled fathers improve their ability to provide for their children and how important changes would also redirect child support to prioritize mothers and children over any state reimbursement. It looks at how Child Support Distribution Act was passed and referred to the Senate but has yet to be debated on the Senate floor.
From the Paper "Current rules also prohibit single mothers and children from receiving child support payments if they are already receiving cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. If any payments are made under these conditions, the government retains the money and no payments benefit his children. This rule bars children and their families from receiving potentially large amounts of much-needed child support. In 1998, states collected $2.6 billion in child support for families receiving TANF. However, only $282 million was passed along to the families and children for whom the money was intended."
Abstract This paper examines the legal rights of men if their partners consider abortion. It shows that, even though it takes two people of opposing gender to make a baby, the government only recognizes the female's consent to an abortion in order for the abortion to proceed. The courts largely ignore the rights of the husband or male partner. This paper explores exactly what rights men possess in the event that their female partner considers abortion. An examination of the repercussions of Roe vs. Wade is conducted as well as other court cases that have challenged the basic premise of the Roe decision since then.
From the Paper "Another instance where a father tried to intervene in the intention of his ex-girlfriend to have an abortion breathed a little hope in the debate regarding men's rights concerning abortion. A Pennsylvania father, John Stachokus, acquired a court order stopping his ex-girlfriend from proceeding with the abortion of his child. Stachokus offered to bring up the child by himself, without the help of the biological mother. However, he did not celebrate for very long. In August 2002, Judge Michael Conahan reversed the order and permitted the abortion to proceed. Even though Stachokus lost, his temporary victory shocked abortion rights groups, who unanimously conveyed their amazement that the courts could even consider seriously the position of the man, let alone rule in his favor, albeit temporarily (Baskerville, 2002)."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the two short essays, "I, Too am a Good Parent" by Dorsett Bennett and "Women and the Future of Fatherhood" by Barbara Dafoe Whitehead. The elements that are addressed are that of parental roles, where society tends to perceive parental roles in a particular light but the changing social conditions that have manifested in this country have altered the nature of parenting, which in turn has altered the role of the parent, which, finally, have resulted in a conflict between existing perceptions and the new reality of parenting.
Abstract This paper argues that, while his work was often dark, Carver was, in his writing (as in his life), searching for the common happiness that arises from daily life. Because he himself spent so many years not being able to feel happy (indeed living an essentially miserable existence while he was addicted to alcohol), the writer believes that he wanted to prove both to himself and to his readers that it was possible to find light in the world. Using works from his earlier and later periods, as well as critical analyses of his writing, this paper argues that, while his later works were certainly not in any way simply 'Pollyanna-ish', they were imbued with a sense of hope and an inclination to look more forward than backward. Includes several quotes from Carver's work.
Introduction
A Sense of Beauty and Mystery
Mickey Spillane and Early Fatherhood An Editor's Hand?
Peacocks in the Road
Beauty Binds Us To the World
From "The Bath" To "A Small Good Thing"
A Hundred Small Changes
There and Back Again
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper "Carver's fiction ? although this is certainly much less true of his poetry ?was often compared to that of Stephen Crane and Ernest Hemingway, hovering as it did in the borderlands between minimalism and realism. Carver himself disliked the term "minimalist" because it "smacks of smallness of vision and execution" (http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/rcarver.htm) but there is a certain truth in calling his work minimalist rather than realist. Crane and Hemingway were writing in a different world and about a different world than was Carver; they belonged within the tradition of High Modernism. And they belonged to a moment in history in which the center was wobbling but might well still be expected to hold."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the book, "A Personal Matter", by Kenzaburo Oe. Specifically, it discusses how the name "Bird" represents the characteristics of the main character and describes how his name corresponds to the actions he takes throughout the novel. It looks at how "Bird" is the perfect name for a character that flits from person to person, flies away when times are hard, and dreams of migrating to Africa to get away from his troubles at home. Bird is not ready for fatherhood or a family, and so he abandons the "nest" for revelry and excess until he finally takes responsibility for his actions and sheds his childhood nickname forever.
From the Paper "Many of Bird's characteristics match those of the birds he is named after, from his appearance to the way he takes flight after he leaves his baby at the new hospital. He is flying away from his troubles, and acting as if he ignores them, they will disappear on the wind. This not only represents how Bird is like his namesakes, who fly away on the wind, it shows how immature he is, and how he may be 27 years old, but he is really still a boy. He would rather fly away than take responsibility for his "vegetable" son, and the only thing that gives him pleasure is running away from responsibility. Even his movements mimic that of a bird. He is often tentative, awkward, and gawky, just like an ungainly bird on land. He even reacts to adversity like a bird ? regurgitating up his whiskey like a bird regurgitates dinner for their young."
Abstract The paper compares the characters of King Lear and the Earl of Gloucester and their treatment of their children, and demonstrates that one of the play's themes is "knowledge is power" by showing how ignorance leads to powerlessness for the two men. The paper briefly discusses Shakespeare's treatment of nature and the animal world, then focuses on motherhood. In conclusion, the writer finds that the play is so meaningful that it is impossible to grasp it all in a single reading, which may be a measure of its greatness.
From the Paper "Moralists usually mean the control over the passions when they speak of the natural order. King Lear is unable to control his passions, and is subject to rages that lead him to commit foolish and vengeful acts that lead to his own and others' destruction. In a sense, Gloucester disrupted the natural order when he fathered a son out of wedlock. It is significant that this is the son who betrays him."
This paper examines the detrimental effects of accepting one's assigned gender as well as the importance of breaking through the traditional barriers which result in self-actualization and discovery.
Abstract This paper discusses the significant changes to traditional gender roles in the last 30 years. Research proves that women today are pursuing careers more so than ever before. The myth of masculinity is undergoing a transformation as is the image of fatherhood. Many men are downshifting from work away from the home in order to spend more time directly parenting their children. The writer describes the damaging effects of forcing men and women into customary gender-based roles which deprive children of maximizing their career options, status and lifestyles that run opposite to what society sees as acceptable. This paper also explains why applying biologically based assumptions in feminine behavior is not only scientifically unsound but socially damaging.
From the Paper "Meekly evolving into your gender role, be it policeman or housewife, will merely enforce what men and women have been trying to get away from these past 20 years: gender roles can cause more harm than good. We can not expect future generations to be as comfortable and confident of what they can achieve if it is still expected of women to stay home with the children while the men work hours on end to support the family.
Despite the fact that acceptance is suppressing some would be nurturers, it is believed by some that because men and women are fundamentally different they should accept their different roles throughout society. Opponents would rather have women at home with the children. They would keep the men at work and out of the homes based on traditional gender views."
Tags: women, men, perception, sexuality, research, statistics, children, career
