University of Virginia sociologist W. Bradford Wilcox, recently wrote an article that overviews how fatherhood transforms men. These changes, however, do not impact all fathers equally. In reality, the positive changes associated with fatherhood apply only for men who live with or in close proximity to their child(ren). Those fathers who do not live with their children consistently share more in common with childless men.
Fathers who live with their children are
- significantly less likely to be depressed and more likely to report they are satisfied with their lives;
- (new married fathers) tend to work more hours and pull down more money, and
- (married men) are also less likely to be found in a bar on any given weekend and more likely to be found in a church.
So What?
The full benefits of fatherhood require a man to be present for and interact with his child(ren).
- What other positive changes have you heard people associate with fatherhood?
- Why do you think married men with children are more likely to go to church than those who are unmarried and/or who do not have or do not live with their children?