The Impact of Fatherhood: Recognizing the Role of Fathers in a Child’s Life
In a child’s life, a mother’s and father’s presence plays a vital role in their emotional well-being and overall development. Research has consistently shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it profoundly impacts a child’s cognitive and social growth. How a father treats his child sets the foundation for their expectations in future relationships with others. Their experiences with their fathers shape their choices of friends, romantic partners, and life companions.
But why is it that fathers often receive appreciation when they actively participate in raising their children? Unfortunately, our society is still largely patriarchal, where raising children is predominantly seen as the mother’s role. When people express surprise or admiration for fathers performing tasks like feeding, changing diapers, or putting their children to sleep, it highlights the perception that such involvement is unexpected and extraordinary. Not only does this undermine the efforts of women, but it also perpetuates stereotypes and restricts men from fully embracing their nurturing roles.
Traditionally, traditional gender roles dictated that men would go out to work while women stayed at home, taking care of household chores, family members, and children. However, times have changed, and men and women now work to support their families. Responsibilities are shared between both parents, and they share equal responsibility for their children’s upbringing. If the mother is occupied with work, the father should care for their children. It shouldn’t be seen as an exceptional or extraordinary act.
A study conducted using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth from 1979 to 2006 examined how the earnings bonus for fatherhood varied based on characteristics associated with hegemonic masculinity in the American workplace. The findings showed that the earnings bonus for fatherhood persisted even after accounting for various factors like education, job skills, family structure, and wives’ employment status. Moreover, the reward was more significant for men who exhibited other markers of workplace hegemonic masculinity, such as being white, married, in professional/managerial positions, and having jobs emphasizing cognitive skills over physical strength.
This research demonstrates that fathers can receive distinct advantages in the workplace if they actively engage in childcare and household responsibilities. In contrast, mothers may not receive the same benefits for fulfilling the same duties. Although, understandably, women receive maternity leave and special considerations during and after pregnancy, they should also receive equal recognition as their partners for their role in raising their children.
In conclusion, acknowledging the contributions of fathers to their children’s lives should not undermine the efforts of mothers. Both parents should be celebrated for their dedication to their children’s growth. When children have equal relationships with both parents, the responsibility should be shared equally. In today’s modern world, where both parents work to meet the family’s needs, it is essential to recognize that both mothers and fathers have the right to equal honour and respect in society.
