The New Fatherhood, Same As the Old One

I have commented on various blog discussions that the role of the father has not changed in decades (and yes, they always ignore me). This is a fact. All this hoopla about fathering and wanting to be a father, is just talk.

From Dr. Michael Flood's Fatherhood and Fatherlessness (emphasis mine):

Perceptions of fathering have shifted, and the image of the nurturant and involved father now exerts a powerful influence on popular perceptions. However, the culture of fatherhood has changed much faster than the conduct. Fathers share physical care of children equally in only 1-2 per cent of families, and are highly involved in day-to-day care in only 5-10 per cent of families. Many fathers aspire to do more fathering than they actually perform, yet they face important economic, policy and cultural constraints to their involvement.

I mean, think about it...even if a father is relegated to weekend duty and summer visitation, how much "business" does he have to take care of, regarding the child, during those times? Biodad gets to have all the fun times designated to him, while the real caretaking remains with the mother. Heaven forbid if he has a second wife.

I would also argue that the "barriers" that men have faced in fulfilling their "fatherly" roles, is also a result of the value and priority they place on childrearing/caretaking and not solely the economic and political constraints as Dr. Flood specified. Mothers have "evolved" outside of homemaking and caretaking roles to include employment and community responsibilities. It has not particularly diminished our motherly roles. We are and have been changing politics to suit those needs.