Redefining fatherhood

by Nancy E. Dowd

"Most fathers parent less than most mothers. For many men, their parenthood in defined as biological or economic, while other men struggle against the presumption that they are not caregivers.". "In Redefining Fatherhood, Nancy Dowd argues that this skewed social pattern is mirrored and supported by law. Dowd makes the case for reenvisioning fatherhood away from genes and dollars, and toward nurture. Integrating economic, social, and legal aspects of fathering, she makes the case for focusing on social, nurturing behavior as the core meaning of fatherhood. In this nuanced and complex analysis, she explores the barriers to redefinition, including concepts of masculinity, the interconnections between fathers and mothers, male violence, and homophobia."--BOOK JACKET.