The Evolution of Fatherhood: Are Dads Getting Better?
Since 1965, partnered fathers in the United States have significantly increased their daily interactions with children, nearly quadrupling the time spent together. However, one in four children now live apart from their fathers, a figure that has doubled since 1960. Unlike previous generations, expectant fathers are now more likely to witness childbirth. Research shows that new fathers experience a rise in prolactin, enhancing their attentiveness. In contrast, cultural norms vary globally, as seen with Aka fathers in the Congo Basin, who keep infants close, and Kipsigis fathers in Kenya, who often refrain from certain caregiving tasks.
Key facts
- Since 1965, partnered fathers in the U.S. nearly quadrupled daily time with kids.
- One in four children live apart from their fathers, a rate that has doubled since 1960.
- Expectant fathers now commonly witness childbirth, unlike half a century ago.
- Prolactin rises in new fathers, making them more alert to children.
- Fathers generally have lower testosterone than non-dads; more time with kids lowers it further.
- Aka fathers in the Congo Basin have infants within arm's reach half the time.
- Kipsigis fathers in Kenya rarely feed or bathe infants and consider it unmanly to carry a baby outside.
- Nearly half of men between 18 and 25 have never approached a woman in person, per Scott Galloway.
Entities
Institutions
- University of Southern California
- New Yorker
Locations
- United States
- Congo Basin
- Kenya