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Fatherless America: Confronting Our Most Urgent Social Problem
"[A] well reasoned, empirically sound, and an important contribution to the public debate." — William J. Bennett, author of The Book of Virtues A compelling and controversial exploration of absentee fathers and their impact on the nation One of the most urgent and controversial books of the 90s, "'Fatherless in America' has instantly become a catch phrase" (Los Angeles Times ). Blankenhorn defines the growing fatherlessness in America and how we can restore fathers to their rightful place in our families.
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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February 20, 2015
This book has been on my radar for years, ever since it was cited by Jeffery R. Holland in an important address given some time ago. I wish I had read it earlier. I wish everyone would read it. Each time I hear of another couple with children breaking up, I can't help but feel sorrow for the short-sighted decisions of one (or two) adults who are all too willing to disrupt their children's well being for a lifetime because of their own wants and needs.
In sobering detail, David Blankenhorn documents the undoing of the time-honored role of fathers in contemporary society to the point where "experts" now advocate for other models of fatherhood, and even redefining the term father itself. What a legacy the feminist movement and its resulting divorce culture have left us with families and society increasingly in shambles.
In a very calm tone, the author methodically cites study after study demonstrating statistically worse outcomes for children raised in fatherless homes, particularly those whose mothers are divorced, living with boyfriends, or who have chosen motherhood absent any father at all (through artificial insemination, one-night-stands, single-parent adoption, etc.). And he does so by quoting the outlandish ideas and philosophies of "leading experts," people with PhDs who believe that their learning also makes them wise, who advocate for "mix 'n max parenthood," androgynous parenting (men becoming more like women and vice versa), and otherwise demonizing and relegating masculinity and manhood to the bygone ages of barbarism. Hollywood and contemporary culture celebrate the "modern family" and for decades now society's focus has been on improving methods for getting out of marriage ("better divorce"), not preserving it, and we place a premium on child-support payments and alternative father figures while ignoring that what children really want and need are their fathers.
The author offers interesting perspective about this phenomenon being deeply rooted in the core ideals of America at its foundation, which itself was a divorce from Great Britain and monarchical rule. The American ideal prizes the rights and freedoms of the individual. But like anything taken to an excess, idolizing the power of one, unfettered, can leave many more damaged in the wake.
In an age where we worship individualism and the right of two spouses (even now "mix 'n match" spouses where mothers and fathers are both expendable) to part paths and "find happiness again" and fulfillment in new relationships, in an age where we value emasculated men and "empowered" women who deny the undeniable reality of complementarity that each sex brings to relationships and parenting, too often we do so at the expense of children, and at our own peril.
Children do not need more nurturing, school curriculums, books and other media affirming their plight as children without parentage, teaching them that they have "many fathers," or that some families don't have fathers at all, and telling them "they are all right," and that it's all okay. The author clearly points out that such wishful thinking does nothing more than impose adult fantasy on children and minimize the child's reality which does not change. This book is a sad reminder that now, 18 years after it was written, we live in an even braver new world where the adult's wants are valued far above what is best for children, and where the prevailing message is that "it's all good" despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. What children really want is their fathers. What children really need is their fathers.
In sobering detail, David Blankenhorn documents the undoing of the time-honored role of fathers in contemporary society to the point where "experts" now advocate for other models of fatherhood, and even redefining the term father itself. What a legacy the feminist movement and its resulting divorce culture have left us with families and society increasingly in shambles.
In a very calm tone, the author methodically cites study after study demonstrating statistically worse outcomes for children raised in fatherless homes, particularly those whose mothers are divorced, living with boyfriends, or who have chosen motherhood absent any father at all (through artificial insemination, one-night-stands, single-parent adoption, etc.). And he does so by quoting the outlandish ideas and philosophies of "leading experts," people with PhDs who believe that their learning also makes them wise, who advocate for "mix 'n max parenthood," androgynous parenting (men becoming more like women and vice versa), and otherwise demonizing and relegating masculinity and manhood to the bygone ages of barbarism. Hollywood and contemporary culture celebrate the "modern family" and for decades now society's focus has been on improving methods for getting out of marriage ("better divorce"), not preserving it, and we place a premium on child-support payments and alternative father figures while ignoring that what children really want and need are their fathers.
The author offers interesting perspective about this phenomenon being deeply rooted in the core ideals of America at its foundation, which itself was a divorce from Great Britain and monarchical rule. The American ideal prizes the rights and freedoms of the individual. But like anything taken to an excess, idolizing the power of one, unfettered, can leave many more damaged in the wake.
In an age where we worship individualism and the right of two spouses (even now "mix 'n match" spouses where mothers and fathers are both expendable) to part paths and "find happiness again" and fulfillment in new relationships, in an age where we value emasculated men and "empowered" women who deny the undeniable reality of complementarity that each sex brings to relationships and parenting, too often we do so at the expense of children, and at our own peril.
Children do not need more nurturing, school curriculums, books and other media affirming their plight as children without parentage, teaching them that they have "many fathers," or that some families don't have fathers at all, and telling them "they are all right," and that it's all okay. The author clearly points out that such wishful thinking does nothing more than impose adult fantasy on children and minimize the child's reality which does not change. This book is a sad reminder that now, 18 years after it was written, we live in an even braver new world where the adult's wants are valued far above what is best for children, and where the prevailing message is that "it's all good" despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. What children really want is their fathers. What children really need is their fathers.
July 7, 2023
أرجو ان يترجم أو ان يتم أعادة ضياغته لمجتمعنا أرتفاع نسب الطلاق و حياة الكثير من الأطفال تنذر بكارثة وجودية...
أرتباط الأب البيلوجي للأطفال يختلف جذريا عن اي مسؤول مخالط للطفل او يعمل لتربيته حيث ان العامل البيولوجي يلعب دور كبير في التواصل و مشاركة الجينات الخلقية و النفسية بين الطفل الاب البيلوجي. أدعوكم لقراءة The Blank Slate
نسب الطلاق تاتي من النموذج السئ لولي الامر للرجل المتزوج حيث ابوه كان نموذج سئ لكونه اب فيكبر طفله و يكون اب متنصل من المسؤولية في اول امتحان
له ك رجل متزوج و عبر عنه بمصطلح Toxic Masculinity
غياب الاب عن الاطفال نتيجته القلق الدائم و البحث عن الامان في يتجه الاطفال و الشباب المراهقيين للمخدرات و العنف بين الشباب و الهشاشة النفسية لغياب القدوه و حمل المراهقات !!! ( و في وجهة نظري المتواضعة ايضا ظهور التوجهات للشذوذ الجنسي من نتائج غياب الاب القدوة و الذكورة المهيمنة في حياة الاطفال و الشباب وغياب معنى الأبوة بمعناها الفلسفي و المعنوي يجعل الشباب يبحث عن في كل شئ حوله و مع التحركات للمسواة بين الجنسين تساوى المفهوم بين الرجل و المرأة و تشتت هوية الطفل بين الرجل و المرأة )
الحياة مع أم بمفردها حياة مليئة بالأنوثة واالنعومة مهما كانت الام حكيمة و لا ألوم النساء اللاتي يربين أطفالهم بقدر المستطاع بصعوبة ظروف الحياة لكن تعليقي ان وجود اب مهم و هذه حكمه الاهية تنكشف لنا
و الحذر كل الحذر من تميع المصطلحات الصلبة ك رجل و أمرأة و تبديلها بافكار شاذة ك الهوية الجنسية انه خراب متوحش سينهش مجتمعنا
أرتباط الأب البيلوجي للأطفال يختلف جذريا عن اي مسؤول مخالط للطفل او يعمل لتربيته حيث ان العامل البيولوجي يلعب دور كبير في التواصل و مشاركة الجينات الخلقية و النفسية بين الطفل الاب البيلوجي. أدعوكم لقراءة The Blank Slate
نسب الطلاق تاتي من النموذج السئ لولي الامر للرجل المتزوج حيث ابوه كان نموذج سئ لكونه اب فيكبر طفله و يكون اب متنصل من المسؤولية في اول امتحان
له ك رجل متزوج و عبر عنه بمصطلح Toxic Masculinity
غياب الاب عن الاطفال نتيجته القلق الدائم و البحث عن الامان في يتجه الاطفال و الشباب المراهقيين للمخدرات و العنف بين الشباب و الهشاشة النفسية لغياب القدوه و حمل المراهقات !!! ( و في وجهة نظري المتواضعة ايضا ظهور التوجهات للشذوذ الجنسي من نتائج غياب الاب القدوة و الذكورة المهيمنة في حياة الاطفال و الشباب وغياب معنى الأبوة بمعناها الفلسفي و المعنوي يجعل الشباب يبحث عن في كل شئ حوله و مع التحركات للمسواة بين الجنسين تساوى المفهوم بين الرجل و المرأة و تشتت هوية الطفل بين الرجل و المرأة )
الحياة مع أم بمفردها حياة مليئة بالأنوثة واالنعومة مهما كانت الام حكيمة و لا ألوم النساء اللاتي يربين أطفالهم بقدر المستطاع بصعوبة ظروف الحياة لكن تعليقي ان وجود اب مهم و هذه حكمه الاهية تنكشف لنا
و الحذر كل الحذر من تميع المصطلحات الصلبة ك رجل و أمرأة و تبديلها بافكار شاذة ك الهوية الجنسية انه خراب متوحش سينهش مجتمعنا
January 15, 2012
Full of truth and creepy in its observations of 1995 America that hits home with even stronger resonance today, Blankenhorn asks, "Where are all the fathers?" and proceeds to answer that question by first showing us the history of the American family before listing examples and definitions of seven "father-types" that emerged as a result of the women's rights movements. Viewing this list, it's pretty obvious why so many American women are flocking to the "Twilight" movies. America is not just yearning for more fathers, we are getting DESPERATE! The old "Life Script" just isn't being followed anymore as the following list shows:
1. The Unnecessary Father-The "new idea" that American men are no longer a requirement in American families and for single mothers having a father for the kids is "important...but not that important".
2. The Old Father-aka "Father Knows Best" our own Grandfathers come to mind when we think of this man. The old school male: strong, silent, dominering 1950's patriarchy that America is now yearning for.
3. The New Father-I can't help but think of gay men because this is the father who takes on the traditional feminine roles of changing diapers and doing the laundry while his wife brings home the bacon. Blankenhorn admits this father is good but even in 1995 the idea just wasn't taking off. By 2012 no one's even talking about this guy anymore.
4. The Deadbeat Dad-Wham bam, thank you Ma'am. He came, he impregnated, she couldn't stand him, so he left. Single mom's only regret is that she had a relationship with him. My only gripe with this book is the word "pornography" is never used, not once.
5. The Visting Father-Here's my stepdad. He tries to maintain a relationship with his kids. He works hard. He pays his child support faithfully, but something went horribly wrong in our divorce culture of the 80's and 90's. By 2012, America is still paying the price.
6. The Sperm Father-Sperm banks were still a new idea in the 90's but by the 21st century no one thinks twice about a woman who choses to raise a child alone. No one questions the child's paternity. Sperm father is now the cousin of The Deadbeat Dad.
7. The Stepfather and The Nearby Guy-Blankenhorn should've also added "boyfriend" as that's the life script so many American women are chosing today but it doesn't matter, both men fail to fill the shoes of father figure-blood will always be thicker than water. This chapter hit particularly close to home for me as my own stepfather has always been a stranger to me, we've never been close, I've tried, but the poor man just can't be a father to children that are not his own. Congratulations to all the second marriages out there that have managed to make it work but its hard. As for The Nearby Guy, as long as the single mother has someone, anyone, to fill the shoes of father figure, it's a hopeless situation and in the 21st century of rampant child pornography and domestic abuse it's pretty obvious that more men, not boyfriends, are needed who are committed to getting married and STAYING married to the women who are lowering their standards.
Nobody wins. That's the main message of this book. Poignant almost to a fault but these are issues that need to be brought to light. Bottom line-America needs more fathers for its women and children, not boyfriends or nearby guys. America needs a return to the "Good Family Man". Mitt Romney comes to mind.
This is an important groundbreaking book. Read it and pass it on.
1. The Unnecessary Father-The "new idea" that American men are no longer a requirement in American families and for single mothers having a father for the kids is "important...but not that important".
2. The Old Father-aka "Father Knows Best" our own Grandfathers come to mind when we think of this man. The old school male: strong, silent, dominering 1950's patriarchy that America is now yearning for.
3. The New Father-I can't help but think of gay men because this is the father who takes on the traditional feminine roles of changing diapers and doing the laundry while his wife brings home the bacon. Blankenhorn admits this father is good but even in 1995 the idea just wasn't taking off. By 2012 no one's even talking about this guy anymore.
4. The Deadbeat Dad-Wham bam, thank you Ma'am. He came, he impregnated, she couldn't stand him, so he left. Single mom's only regret is that she had a relationship with him. My only gripe with this book is the word "pornography" is never used, not once.
5. The Visting Father-Here's my stepdad. He tries to maintain a relationship with his kids. He works hard. He pays his child support faithfully, but something went horribly wrong in our divorce culture of the 80's and 90's. By 2012, America is still paying the price.
6. The Sperm Father-Sperm banks were still a new idea in the 90's but by the 21st century no one thinks twice about a woman who choses to raise a child alone. No one questions the child's paternity. Sperm father is now the cousin of The Deadbeat Dad.
7. The Stepfather and The Nearby Guy-Blankenhorn should've also added "boyfriend" as that's the life script so many American women are chosing today but it doesn't matter, both men fail to fill the shoes of father figure-blood will always be thicker than water. This chapter hit particularly close to home for me as my own stepfather has always been a stranger to me, we've never been close, I've tried, but the poor man just can't be a father to children that are not his own. Congratulations to all the second marriages out there that have managed to make it work but its hard. As for The Nearby Guy, as long as the single mother has someone, anyone, to fill the shoes of father figure, it's a hopeless situation and in the 21st century of rampant child pornography and domestic abuse it's pretty obvious that more men, not boyfriends, are needed who are committed to getting married and STAYING married to the women who are lowering their standards.
Nobody wins. That's the main message of this book. Poignant almost to a fault but these are issues that need to be brought to light. Bottom line-America needs more fathers for its women and children, not boyfriends or nearby guys. America needs a return to the "Good Family Man". Mitt Romney comes to mind.
This is an important groundbreaking book. Read it and pass it on.
October 2, 2018
Fatherless America is one of the most important books I have read in years. Although it was written and published over twenty years ago, its commentary and warnings feel not only prescient but present and painful. In the world of social science, twenty years is a long, long time; however, I'm not convinced any of the deficiencies in our society detailed by David Blankenhorn have been addressed; in fact, many of them have probably gotten much, much worse. Fatherless America is not only a review of the past, it is a prophecy of our future if we don't respond to the most troubling and disastrous demographic trend of the last several generations: fatherlessness.
Admittedly, I have a unique interest in topics related to masculinity, manhood, fatherhood, and the dynamics of the family. Previous books I have read have touched on these topics, such as: Manliness and Manning Up. In fact, even works of fiction have provided insight into this personal interest—books like Gates of Fire and The Illiad. Our society is inundated with the ideas of gender neutrality. In fact, masculinity in particular has been singled out as something to avoid, to correct, and to expunge. (One of the great ironies of feminism is that as women have achieved greater autonomy in their quest against masculinity and patriarchy, they have adopted more and more masculine behaviors and attitudes). In our efforts to find greater equality among the sexes, have we ignored a huge amount of unintended consequences? Fatherless America is really a book about ideas. Although it's packed with social research, data, and statistics, the most compelling argument it makes is one of ideas. The idea of fatherhood has been transmogrified, argues Blankenhorn. Society has, incrementally and often imperceptibly, changed the idea of fatherhood, and in so doing has changed the very dynamic of our culture and society. And it hasn't been for the better, especially when it comes to the well-being of children. They are, without a doubt, the biggest losers in our quest to change traditional mores and expectations related to marriage and fatherhood.
In many ways Fatherless America is a response and rejoinder against the mounting collection of social research which either diminishes the role of fathers or ignores them altogether. In my own reading I have consistently been surprised by the myopia of academics and writers when writing about the family; or, rather, the ignoring of family. It is not uncommon at all for a writer—whether it's about emotional intelligence or personal success—to give a perfunctory mention of parental importance and then quickly move to apparently more interesting or what they believe to be more effectual interventions, such as: public education, social programs, government interventions, etc. Blankenhorn expertly calls out this bias in the research. This blind spot in social and academic research, I believe, causes so many well-intentioned and extremely intelligent people to miss the mark when it comes to child well-being and human thriving. The traditional family cannot be completely untethered from gender roles, which is anathema to many scholars. Gender neutrality as a principle appears to override all of other principles and considerations, and society is left holding a really nasty bag of consequences.
Fatherless America is a contrarian book. (Another great example of a contrarian book is Life at the Bottom; I highly recommend it). It clashes harshly with a gender-neutral society. It heralds the attributes of masculinity rather than decry them, and asserts that fatherhood is the most powerful construct to harness the natural impulses of men. I think most Americans would agree the flight of fathers from their children is a bad thing. I don't think most Americans understand the impact of that flight. Blankenhorn makes an extremely compelling case that some of our most vexing, dreadful, and recalcitrant societal problems could be solved by a restoration of the idea of fatherhood and the return of fathers. Ideas, asserts the author, made them and helped them leave, ideas can bring them back. I agree.
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
Admittedly, I have a unique interest in topics related to masculinity, manhood, fatherhood, and the dynamics of the family. Previous books I have read have touched on these topics, such as: Manliness and Manning Up. In fact, even works of fiction have provided insight into this personal interest—books like Gates of Fire and The Illiad. Our society is inundated with the ideas of gender neutrality. In fact, masculinity in particular has been singled out as something to avoid, to correct, and to expunge. (One of the great ironies of feminism is that as women have achieved greater autonomy in their quest against masculinity and patriarchy, they have adopted more and more masculine behaviors and attitudes). In our efforts to find greater equality among the sexes, have we ignored a huge amount of unintended consequences? Fatherless America is really a book about ideas. Although it's packed with social research, data, and statistics, the most compelling argument it makes is one of ideas. The idea of fatherhood has been transmogrified, argues Blankenhorn. Society has, incrementally and often imperceptibly, changed the idea of fatherhood, and in so doing has changed the very dynamic of our culture and society. And it hasn't been for the better, especially when it comes to the well-being of children. They are, without a doubt, the biggest losers in our quest to change traditional mores and expectations related to marriage and fatherhood.
In many ways Fatherless America is a response and rejoinder against the mounting collection of social research which either diminishes the role of fathers or ignores them altogether. In my own reading I have consistently been surprised by the myopia of academics and writers when writing about the family; or, rather, the ignoring of family. It is not uncommon at all for a writer—whether it's about emotional intelligence or personal success—to give a perfunctory mention of parental importance and then quickly move to apparently more interesting or what they believe to be more effectual interventions, such as: public education, social programs, government interventions, etc. Blankenhorn expertly calls out this bias in the research. This blind spot in social and academic research, I believe, causes so many well-intentioned and extremely intelligent people to miss the mark when it comes to child well-being and human thriving. The traditional family cannot be completely untethered from gender roles, which is anathema to many scholars. Gender neutrality as a principle appears to override all of other principles and considerations, and society is left holding a really nasty bag of consequences.
Fatherless America is a contrarian book. (Another great example of a contrarian book is Life at the Bottom; I highly recommend it). It clashes harshly with a gender-neutral society. It heralds the attributes of masculinity rather than decry them, and asserts that fatherhood is the most powerful construct to harness the natural impulses of men. I think most Americans would agree the flight of fathers from their children is a bad thing. I don't think most Americans understand the impact of that flight. Blankenhorn makes an extremely compelling case that some of our most vexing, dreadful, and recalcitrant societal problems could be solved by a restoration of the idea of fatherhood and the return of fathers. Ideas, asserts the author, made them and helped them leave, ideas can bring them back. I agree.
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
January 21, 2024
This was a very thought-provoking book for me. Even though the book was published in 1995, the findings are still important today. At one level, the book is discouraging as it discusses the problems associated with the absence of fathers in the home. A lot of research is cited to support the author's premise that the absence of a father in a home is associated with significant problems in American society.
The popular culture of movies and TV denigrates the role of the father and suggests that suitable replacements can be found. The research presented in this book clearly shows this isn't true. The book spends time on how some people who advocate against the importance of the father have gone against or misinterpreted their data in order to support their denigration of the father. Some people actively argue that fathers are not necessary and that the "old father" is a person to be shunned and avoided. The "old father" is mean to his children and wife and does nothing but bring sadness and misery to family life.
While some of these "old fathers" exist, advocates have generalized that all fathers must be like that, and that what is needed is a "new father." The "new father" is genderless and doesn't necessarily prioritize providing for his family above other roles. (I found it interesting how many people involved in family science were pushing for the removal of gender-influenced traits in the family in the 1980's and 1990's.) However, the research shows that this does not lead to good outcomes in family life.
Other forms of fatherhood discussed in the book include deadbeat dads, visiting fathers, sperm fathers, stepfathers, and the nearby guy. This book shows how our cultural scripts not only try to show that these options can make up for the "old father," but that they are actually better. (The deadbeat dad becomes a suitable alternative to a father if he pays child support.)
The book concludes with suggestions of how fatherhood can be improved in American society. All throughout, the importance of good fathers is emphasized. The research shows that none of the alternatives provided by the alternative cultural script can compensate for the good father. The author provides suggestions for how the importance of fatherhood could be reenthroned in American culture. As I read, I realized that I can be a better father. For that, I give the book five stars.
The popular culture of movies and TV denigrates the role of the father and suggests that suitable replacements can be found. The research presented in this book clearly shows this isn't true. The book spends time on how some people who advocate against the importance of the father have gone against or misinterpreted their data in order to support their denigration of the father. Some people actively argue that fathers are not necessary and that the "old father" is a person to be shunned and avoided. The "old father" is mean to his children and wife and does nothing but bring sadness and misery to family life.
While some of these "old fathers" exist, advocates have generalized that all fathers must be like that, and that what is needed is a "new father." The "new father" is genderless and doesn't necessarily prioritize providing for his family above other roles. (I found it interesting how many people involved in family science were pushing for the removal of gender-influenced traits in the family in the 1980's and 1990's.) However, the research shows that this does not lead to good outcomes in family life.
Other forms of fatherhood discussed in the book include deadbeat dads, visiting fathers, sperm fathers, stepfathers, and the nearby guy. This book shows how our cultural scripts not only try to show that these options can make up for the "old father," but that they are actually better. (The deadbeat dad becomes a suitable alternative to a father if he pays child support.)
The book concludes with suggestions of how fatherhood can be improved in American society. All throughout, the importance of good fathers is emphasized. The research shows that none of the alternatives provided by the alternative cultural script can compensate for the good father. The author provides suggestions for how the importance of fatherhood could be reenthroned in American culture. As I read, I realized that I can be a better father. For that, I give the book five stars.
August 21, 2011
Blankenhorn has some very interesting things to say about absent fathers in America. He’s spot on in many ways and writes persuasively when it comes to a number of our social problems and how they are linked, at root, to absent fathers.
Marriage is an institution that has allowed for civilization to evolve; virtually every culture does it in some form or another. Fatherhood is a cultural invention designed to domesticate masculinity, particularly male aggression, by giving men a social purpose, since a father’s biological contribution is complete at the moment of conception (while a woman carries a child for nine months).
Some of the most disheartening facts in the book:
1) Boys who grow up without fathers are more subject to hypermasculinity, violence, and being incarcerated. 2) Married women are four times less likely than unmarried or divorced women to be the victim of domestic violence. 3) Daughters are at much greater risk of being sexually abused by a stepfather (or boyfriend) than by their biological father – since they don’t share biological ties with a stepfather and thus there’s no incest taboo (and no biological father) to protect them.
Ultimately, Blankenhorn seems to be a realist/pragmatist. His assertion comes across as one of common sense prevention rather than creating more expensive (and far less effective) social programs.
Marriage is an institution that has allowed for civilization to evolve; virtually every culture does it in some form or another. Fatherhood is a cultural invention designed to domesticate masculinity, particularly male aggression, by giving men a social purpose, since a father’s biological contribution is complete at the moment of conception (while a woman carries a child for nine months).
Some of the most disheartening facts in the book:
1) Boys who grow up without fathers are more subject to hypermasculinity, violence, and being incarcerated. 2) Married women are four times less likely than unmarried or divorced women to be the victim of domestic violence. 3) Daughters are at much greater risk of being sexually abused by a stepfather (or boyfriend) than by their biological father – since they don’t share biological ties with a stepfather and thus there’s no incest taboo (and no biological father) to protect them.
Ultimately, Blankenhorn seems to be a realist/pragmatist. His assertion comes across as one of common sense prevention rather than creating more expensive (and far less effective) social programs.
April 30, 2016
Mind blowing. This book explains what was going on in pop psychology regarding family science during the 90s. I was a teenager in then and saw so much divorce among my friends families. A great read for men and a must read for anyone considering divorce.
January 7, 2009
Frightening, but eye-opening.
August 24, 2009
This was an interesting read on the societal shift to marginalize the father as an anchor of the traditional family.
May 16, 2011
Well-written, insightful book. It IS written like an academic treatise, so it can be a bit dry.
June 8, 2023
dnf... just couldn't make it thru ig
July 2, 2017
I already knew fathers were incredibly important, but reading this book reemphasized to me that fathers are absolutely essential to the success of society as a whole. It's not just "nice" or "convenient" for children to a father in their life, but crucial for each child to have a father in their home - preferably their biological one. Too often fathers are portrayed as bumbling idiots or handicaps to overcome, but there are good, kind, competent dads out there and they deserve a better voice in our communities.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews