Traditionally not much sociological attention has been paid to
and their role due to the dominance of the view which sees mothers as centrally
in the bringing up of children. This traditional picture could be accurately described as an
of motherhood. Psychologists have also traditionally seen the role of the father for children as at best
(on the edge of things)- as a help to primary parent, the
.
Increasingly however sociologists and psychologists have become more focussed on fathers, a main concern being the impact of "father
" on children. Father absence has been cited as a cause of a range of social
including educational underachievement and juvenile
.
Wilmott and Young's work on
roles suggested that fathers were being more active in the nurturing of children and that greater egalitarianism was developing between
and wives. Although Wilmott and Young's study of changing conjugal roles (from segregated to
) has been subject to considerable criticism (especially from
) it is likely that there has been some change in the role of fathers in the last 30 years though probably occurring much
that Wilmott and Young suggested.
Divorced fathers tend to disappear from their children's livesKathryn Backett suggests that the reason for this is that a father’s
with his children tends to be mediated by the mother. Fatherhood is not like motherhood in that it is not an independent autonomous relationship - instead it is something
with the mother. Motherhood is thus an active hands on parenting role; such a role is optional for fathers.
Others suggest that men tend to disappear from children's lives after
because the role of father is closely linked to their marital status. Mothers continue to be mothers regardless of their marital status whereas fatherhood after divorce is
to sustain for a variety of material and practical reasons.
Social PolicyThe
Act 1989 aimed to make fathers take a greater role in their children's lives. Under the law married parents are given
rights to a say in how their children are to be brought up.
The law also attempts to persuade divorced parents to parent
following a divorce. The Child
Legislation also attempts to make fathers
responsible for the care of their children following divorce. Research suggests that neither aim has been successfully met
Father's RightsIn recent years a number of pro father’s rights
groups have emerged campaigning for the rights of divorced fathers. Fathers for Justice has been a high profile example of these trends organising publicity stunts and
Discussion Points1. What could be the negative affects on children of an absent father?
2. How has the law attempted to create egalitarian and cooperative parenting? Why has it failed?
3. Why do you think it is often difficult for divorced fathers to maintain contact and a relationship with their children?
4. Research
the Fathers For Justice Website. What do they stand for? Do you agree with them?