Brookelyn Egan

Marriage and Family 2400

10/29/15
Unit 5 Essay1
QUESTION:
Most of our society seems to have a fairly consistent definition of the
mothers role in our society. If we asked the question What does a good
mother do? most people would give very similar answers. On the other
hand, the role of a father seems much less clear. Is the current change in
the role of fatherhood better or worse for men? For children? For mothers?
Are there further changes in fathers roles that should be made? What
should be the role of the father in pregnancy, abortion, birth and in
parenthood?
ANSWER:
The way that I see it, the role of the father is changing for the better. I
one hundred percent believe that the father should be a part of a childs life
just as much as the mother. The textbook states, In analyzing todays
fathers and todays families, we find diverse opinions and a range of
experiences of fathering. There is evidence indicating that father have
become more emotionally connected to and involved in the lives of their
children. (Strong and Cohen, 2014, p. 368) Although not every family is the

same, and not every father is the same. I think the changing role is great for
men, but someone else may have a different opinion. A man who is
becoming a father and didnt want to become one may have a different idea.
He might not want to become emotionally attached and involved in the
childs life. There is also the chance that he will want to be engaged and do
more than just financially support the child, it really just depends on the
person and the situation. For mothers, this idea that the father is becoming
more involved is great. Parenting is not an easy task, and if the mother has
an involved father sharing the work, it makes parenthood perhaps a little
more easier.
For children, the role of the father becoming more a part of their lives
is absolutely an amazing thing. To me, parenting should come from both
parents not just one. Growing up, my father never had much to do with me
or my siblings. We would see him maybe once a month, and he did send
child support, but there was never that close relationship that we got to
experience with him. However, I dont feel in any way deprived without the
presence of my father. I think it is important and beneficial to have that
involvement of a father in a childs life. I think it helps a childs development
and progress. Although this idea is great and very valuable, it may not be
offered to every child, and that is okay, so long as the child receives
nurturing, protection, and support.
The question if more changes should be made to the role of a father is
very broad. Each family situation is going to be different, and each child is

going to need different things. I believe that the father should do as much as
he can, and should be a part of the childs life as much as possible. He
should be there every step of the way through pregnancy, birth, and
parenthood. The father should step up and take responsibility for the child,
and be there for everything.

Reference List:
Strong, B, & Cohen, T. F. (2014). The marriage and family experience:
Intimate relationships in a changing society (12th ed.). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth.