Brief
Low-skilled men, especially minorities, typically work at low levels and provide little support for their children. Conservatives blame this on government willingness to support families, which frees the fathers from responsibility, while liberals say that men are denied work by racial bias or the economy--either a lack of jobs or low wages, which depress the incentive to work. The evidence for all these theories is weak. Thus, changing program benefits or incentives is unlikely to solve the men's work problem. More promising is the idea of linking assistance with administrative requirements…
This chapter explores demographic features of fathers, who they are, where they are, and how fathering as a concept has changed over the generations. Research findings on the benefits of father involvement are shared, and cultural aspects of working with fathers are examined. Key practice points for professionals working with fathers are listed.
Brief
This brief explains that attachment refers to the continuing and lasting relationships that young children form with one or more adults and to the child's sense of security and safety when in the company of a particular adult. The importance of attachment is highlighted and characteristics of children with secure attachment relationships and with insecure attachment relations are described. Cultural differences in attachment are noted before strategies that teachers and caregivers can use to promote children's secure attachment are provided. Strategies include: help parents feel competent and…
