The increase in fatherlessness in the United States is a significant social problem that is affecting the well-being of children and society. This book suggests that children who have little or no contact with their fathers experience more disadvantages than children who live with both parents and that men must be socialized into the role of father. The chapters outline the impact of societal expectations on men's attitudes toward fatherhood and examine seven types of fathers defined in our culture: the unnecessary father, the old father, the new father, the deadbeat dad, the visiting father…
This volume contains articles that consider the issues facing the contemporary American father as well as a variety of his experiences. Chapter 1 provides an overview of sociologically relevant scholarship on fatherhood, and Chapter 2 reports on research into the interactional and interpretive meanings of fatherhood identity of new fathers who have young children. Chapter 3 critiques current thinking about fatherhood in general, and men's involvement in childcare specifically. The following chapter considers how a father's identification with the status and roles associated with being a…
Written for professionals, this anthology reviews the social, developmental, and clinical dimensions of greater father involvement in the lives of young children. The chapters outline the impact of fatherhood on men from the time of conception until their child's first birthday. Emphasis is placed on how men cope with their feelings about fatherhood and the challenges of preparing men to be equal partners in child-rearing. Empirical research, developmental observations, and clinical experiences are used to illustrate the resolution of conflicts between the masculine mindset and changing…
This starter kit is designed to assist individuals seeking to develop programs in their communities to promote responsible fatherhood. It begins by explaining the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) and national movement to combat father absence. Chapter 2 reviews statistics on father absence, reasons for father absence, and the impact of father absence on children. Chapter 3 explains general strategies for conducting a preliminary assessment of community needs, developing a collaborative model, and becoming an effective cultural broker. The following chapter discusses building a local…
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This report summarizes presentations on promoting responsible fatherhood made at a seminar held on Friday, June 23, 1995, in Washington, D.C. Panelists at the seminar focused on community-based programs providing services specifically for low-income fathers. The first presenter, Charles Ballard, President of the Institute for Responsible Fatherhood and Family Revitalization, discussed research results that indicated fathers were kept out of the lives of their children by the welfare system, the justice system, and the mothers themselves. Jim Levine, from the Families and Work Institute, then…
Written to welcome young dads into school and hospital programs or as a gift to encourage young fathers, this guide comes with a soft cover so it can be rolled up and put into a young dad's pocket. Thoughts of a young dad, getting along with the baby's mother and family, establishing paternity, plans for career and education, understanding pregnancy and birth, the importance of fathers, and caring for a crying baby are among the many topics. It also has an extensive resource section. Written for young dads-to-be between the ages of 13 and 25, this book is an easy and fast read. (Author…
Bestselling author Steve Farrar has good news for the average man: it doesn't matter if you've had a great start in the Christian life, or a rough one. It doesn't matter if you've stumbled time and again, or even fallen flat on your face. What matters most in this all-important race of life is how you finish. According to Farrar, the man who hangs in there for the long haul with his wife, his kids, and his Lord is an exception these days. Finishing Strong, now in trade paperback, offers lively use of Scripture, contemporary illustrations, and study questions to equip every reader to be that…
This parent education program integrates the cultural traditions of African Americans into the goals and activities of parenting skills training. Major goals of the program are to help African Americans raise their children in a racially hostile environment, to present African Americans First as the authority on African American parenting, and to empower families with positive images and messages. There are four modules to the program: Difference and Its Place in America; Transcending Oppression and Teaching Dual Consciousness; Spirituality and the Black Church; and Teaching Children to…
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Journal Article This article addresses the issue of the basis and nature of an unwed biological father's right to block or reverse an adoption decision of an unwed mother. The author begins by reviewing the historical development of the legal status of unwed fathers under common law and United States constitutional law and discussing State statutory and case law concerning unwed fathers and adoption. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has found that unwed fathers who have established and maintained a relationship with their children have some protection under the Constitution, there is great variation among…
This is the text of a speech given at the closing session of the 1995 conference of Adoptive Families of America. Dr. Kirk reviews his research on adoption and his experience as an adoptive father of four children, now grown, and discusses the trends he sees in current adoption practice. He expresses his belief in research that can be replicated, and his dislike of using anecdotal evidence. He also shares his views on open adoption, the adoption search movement, access to adoption records, and the value of adoption support groups.
