The Father's Role: Cross-Cultural Perspectives

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This new volume reviews the latest research on fathering from every continent, from cultures representing over 50% of the world's population. International experts on 14 societies/regions discuss cultural and historical influences, variations between and within cultures, and socio economic conditions and policies that impact fathering. Contributors from several disciplines provide thought-provoking reviews of the empirical data to help us gain an understanding of fathering worldwide. Over 1,000 studies on fathering published in languages other than English are made accessible to readers around the world. The cultures were selected based on availability of substantial research on fathering; representation of worldwide geography; a balance between large, middle, and small populations; and significance for a global understanding of fathering. Each chapter features personal case stories, photos, and maps to help readers create an engaging picture for each culture. Empirical evidence is blended with the authors' expert opinions providing a comprehensive view of what it is like to be a father in each culture. The book opens by explaining theoretical and methodological underpinnings of research on fathers. The main chapters are then organized by world regionsAsia and the Middle East, Africa, North and South America, Europe, and Australia. The conclusions chapter integrates and compares all the chapters, and makes suggestions for future research. Every chapter follows the same structure, making it easy for readers to compare fathers between cultures: Opening case story of one father's life Cultural/historical background and influences on fathers Comprehensive review of research on fathering in that culture Sub-cultural variations in fathering Social/economic conditions and policies that impact fathering: divorce, never-married fathers, immigration and migration, and economic disparities Government policies and laws relevant to fathering Comparisons with fathers in other societies Summary highlighting the most pertinent information presented in the chapter This thought-provoking anthology is an ideal reader for graduate or advanced undergraduate courses on child development, fathering, or family processes taught in family studies, psychology, sociology, anthropology, education, and gender/women's studies, and ethnic studies departments. Practitioners, educators, policymakers, and researchers interested in the study of father involvement will also appreciate this book.

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