"A more balanced perception of the institution of fatherhood is needed in the 21st Century"

It would seem that a more balanced perception of the institution of fatherhood is needed in the 21st century.

There is an apparent general tendency within our society to view the role of fathers in the upbringing of their children as either useless or irrelevant.

Stereotypes such as lazy, deadbeat, dangerous, bumbling or even biologically unfit are rampant within the print media as well as television.

Unfortunately, these myths all have a lasting influential effect as to how children and parents view fatherhood. There are also barriers, some subtle, some blatant, that hinder fathers from taking more of an active participation in the upbringing of their children. To put it bluntly, "the cards are stacked against fathers."

University of California at Riverside psychology professor Ross D. Parke and veteran journalist Armin A. Brott have teamed up to debunk many of these falsehoods in their probing book Throwaway Dads: The Myths and Barriers That Keep Men From Being the Fathers They Want To Be

As a result of the immense research and study the authors have devoted to the subject matter, the book presents some very convincing arguments that counter many of the accepted allegations that are propagated by various so called experts.

Startling revelations that are seldom presented in the media seem to indicate that even many professionals such as social workers, lawyers, therapists, medical doctors and investigators contribute to some of the unfair actions that are directed towards fathers. Very often the onus is on men to prove their parental fitness, whereas in the case of women it is presumed. This is particularly evident in cases of child custody.

The authors offer solutions to resolve some of the issues. However, as they assert: "promoting a cultural change in the ways that society views fathers and the ways that men view themselves in this role is not an easy task. No single program, book, or corporate policy alone is going to change fathering in our time."

Those searching for well-balanced arguments pertaining to the subject matter of the importance of fatherhood will find this book extremely thought provoking. The concluding suggestions as to how to overcome some of the obstacles that keep fathers away from their children are illuminating and to a certain extent original.

Reviewed by Norman Goldman
Posted December 2, 2002