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The Future of Fatherhood

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The Future of Fatherhood

Aspen Institute,

5 min read
5 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

The traditional role of the father is undergoing a radical face-lift.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Some 35 years after the release of Robert Benton’s Kramer vs. Kramer, society still isn’t fully accustomed to the idea of the father as the primary caregiver. Recent social trends may have redressed this problem somewhat by thrusting many out-of-work men into househusband roles. Aspen Ideas Festival’s panel of experts discusses the shifting paradigm. The panelists name-drop several authors and studies during the presentation, and the conversation darts rapidly from topic to topic. Though the nature of the discussion encourages broad generalizations, getAbstract suggests this astute analysis to both working and stay-at-home parents tackling the modern challenges of raising kids.

Summary

The parenting conversation has traditionally focused on the role of the mother, but the discourse is shifting to include the father. Popular culture is increasingly depicting men as stay-at-home dads, making the concept more socially accepted – first among the financially well-off and eventually trickling down the socioeconomic ladder.

Rather than seeking “absolute parity” between the sexes in terms of housework, couples should define what tasks they consider to be household chores and optimize their...

About the Speakers

Kai Ryssdal hosts a radio show called Marketplace. Journalists Hanna Rosin, Mark Oppenheimer and Kay Hymowitz write about social trends.


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