In recent decades, there has been a shift in family life that has become increasingly noticeable. Fathers are now more involved with their children than ever before, taking on tasks such as changing nappies, feeding, and organizing playdates. This change has sparked a scientific question for American anthropologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy: why has fatherhood been neglected by biologists?
Hrdy grew up in a patriarchal family in Texas, where her own father was hands-off. However, she witnessed a significant change in her children’s generation when she saw fathers actively involved in nurturing their babies by choice. This led Hrdy to write a book called “Father Time,” where she argues that the assumption that women are geared for motherhood while men are seen as providers is misdirected.
The increase in stay-at-home fathers in the United States reflects a broader societal shift towards encouraging fathers to bond with their children and take on caregiving responsibilities. Nearly one out of five parents is now a father compared to one in ten thirty years ago. This change highlights human behavioral flexibility and the possibility of fathers being more involved in childcare roles.
Societies where men are more involved in caregiving tend to have lower rates of violence, suggesting a correlation between paternal involvement and peaceful societies. The increasing presence of fathers in childcare roles is a reflection of changing social norms and the importance of nurturing relationships between fathers and their children.
In conclusion, the increased presence of fathers with their children is not only becoming more noticeable but also raising important questions about fatherhood roles and societal norms surrounding parenting. As Hrdy emphasizes, human behavioral flexibility makes it possible for fathers to be more involved in childcare, leading to better relationships between them and their children and potentially contributing to peaceful societies overall.
