Making the Case for Fatherhood - Part one, The Science
In our previous series, we delved into the question of what is necessary for fatherhood. Now, let's explore the "why" question. To put it bluntly, why should anyone care about fathers or fatherhood? After all, hasn't modern society moved past the need for any patriarchy, and therefore fathers? There are numerous ways and perspectives to answer this question, but let's start by considering fathers themselves—you. The question takes on a different tone and focus when framed this way: Why do you care about being a father or helping other fathers? Naturally, you might assume that someone starting a blog and website advocating for fathers must have given this question a great deal of thought. Your assumption would be correct, and below, you'll find my answer. However, it's not enough for me to merely share my views; I'll also explain how I arrived at this answer in the hope that it might guide others on a similar path. Different factors coalesced for me to provide an answer: scientific research, parenting experience, and personal growth.
The Research
The conclusion is resounding: Fathers are indispensable for the development of healthy children, and this topic alone could warrant an entire article (as others have already done more expertly than I can). "The Importance of Fathers (According to Science)," authored by Brett and Kate McKay and published on the Art of Manliness website in 2019, is an outstanding example that's well worth reading. Below, I'll attempt to offer some observations based on the broader literature.
Upon reviewing the research, certain points become abundantly clear. Firstly, fathers are indeed essential. Children with involved fathers are more likely to finish school, achieve higher grades, avoid substance abuse, steer clear of gangs, escape depression, and maintain physical fitness, among other positive outcomes. Furthermore, from a statistical perspective, the impact is substantial, ranging from 40% to 60%, depending on the specific outcome measured and the study in question. If you have any familiarity with data analysis, you'll recognize that such a substantial impact from a single factor is rare. If we are to believe scientific research, a father's presence in the home holds more significance than factors like wealth, education, race, or gender. This is both heartening and daunting but above all underscores the profound difference fathers make.
Secondly, you don't need to be a super dad. Avoiding the pitfalls of abuse, addiction, and neglect can have a lasting positive impact on your children. While this may be easier said than done for some of us, it's still encouraging news. Perfection is not the requirement; your presence is. For myself, this realization was a relief. I plan to discuss my personal struggles with issues like pornography, alcohol, and anger in an upcoming series. The crucial takeaway here is to wrestle with your challenges and not succumb to them—to stay in the fight.
Lastly, it's important to note the societal impact of fathers. While the studies I've read may not emphasize this aspect, it wasn't the primary focus of the research. The old adage that "children are the future" doesn't go far enough. It turns out that children also have a significant impact on our culture and our perception of our country. Throughout history, societies that have valued women and children have thrived, while those that have not have faltered. In simple terms, fathers have a unique role and profoundly influence the societal value placed on children.
History may one day record that the greatest act of rebellion against the decline of the Western world is the commitment to becoming the best father possible. This is why the motto of Dad for Dads is "Save a Dad, Save the World." I mean this in both a literal sense, at the societal level of fatherhood as a cultural institution, and at the micro level of a father shaping his children's lives.
Of course, there are many more reasons to believe that fathers are vital, and we'll delve into my personal parenting experiences in the next post.
Noteworthy Studies on the impact of Fatherhood:
McLanahan, S. S., & Sandefur, G. (1994). Growing up with a single parent: What hurts, what helps. Harvard University Press. Link: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674364080
This study found that children who grow up in single-parent households, particularly those headed by a mother, are more likely to experience a range of negative outcomes, including lower academic achievement, higher rates of delinquency and teen pregnancy, and poorer mental and physical health.
Amato, P. R., & Gilbreth, J. G. (1999). Nonresident fathers and children's well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 61(3), 557-573. Link: https://www.jstor.org/stable/353560?origin=crossref&seq=3.
This meta-analysis of 63 studies found that children who have regular contact with their nonresident fathers tend to have better academic performance, fewer behavioral problems, and better mental health outcomes compared to those who do not have contact with their fathers.
Sarkadi, A., Kristiansson, R., Oberklaid, F., & Bremberg, S. (2008). Fathers' involvement and children's developmental outcomes: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Acta Paediatrica, 97(2), 153-158. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18052995/.
This systematic review of 24 longitudinal studies found that fathers' involvement in their children's lives is positively associated with better academic performance, improved social and emotional development, and reduced risk of behavioral problems.
Sacks, V., Murphey, D., & Moore, K. A. (2014). Adverse childhood experiences: National and state-level prevalence. Child Trends. Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272818291_ADVERSE_CHILDHOOD_EXPERIENCES_NATIONAL_AND_STATE-LEVEL_PREVALENCE.
This report found that children who experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as parental separation or divorce, are more likely to have poor health outcomes, engage in risky behaviors, and experience academic difficulties.
Waldfogel, J., Craigie, T-A., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2010). Fragile families and child well-being. The Future of Children, 20(2), 87-112. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074431/
This study found that children in low-income, unmarried families who lived with both biological parents had better outcomes in terms of academic performance and behavioral problems compared to those who lived with a single parent or a step-parent.
Kreider, R. M., & Ellis, R. (2011). Living arrangements of children: 2009. US Census Bureau.
This report from the US Census Bureau found that children who live with both biological parents have lower poverty rates and higher median family incomes compared to those who live with a single parent. Link: Kreider, R. M., & Ellis, R. (2011). Living arrangements of children: 2009. US Census Bureau
Manning, W. D., & Brown, S. L. (2015). Children's economic well-being in married and cohabiting parent families. Journal of Marriage and Family, 77(2), 295-313. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26929590/
This study found that children in married-parent families have better economic outcomes compared to those in cohabiting-parent families, even when controlling for factors such as parental education and income.
More information on research being done on the role of Fathers can be found at https://www.fatherhood.org/ and https://fatherhood.gov.
Save a Dad, Save the World.