Recently, there has been increased interest in the changing role of men, with emphasis on nurturing, parenting, and the role of fathers with their families. Participating in childbirth classes enhances a man's knowledge of pregnancy and of birth, increases his understanding of the father role, and elevates his self-confidence as a parent. Being…

The Perception of Parents Interview Schedule was administered to 47 Caucasian, 4-year-old children from intact families to determine if mothers' employment status affected children's parental perceptions. Findings indicated that young children of employed mothers perceived their parents' roles differently from the children of nonemployed mothers.…

Examined determinants of fathers' participation in child care and household chores in an interview study of Caucasian, middle-class mothers and fathers (N=160). Indicated that maternal employment moderates the relationship between particular determinants and particular forms of parental involvement. (Author/ABB)

Analyses of sex differences in major life role conflicts suggest a qualitative difference between the family life of men and women, with an advantage for men. Differences between the sexes in ratings of satisfaction with family life were investigated using data taken from the 1977 Quality of Employment Survey. The analysis sample was restricted to…

Although mothers remain the primary caretakers of children, recent empirical evidence supports the notion that fathers are important in the lives of even very young children. This study examined relationships between fathers' and mothers' attitudes toward childrearing (as measured by the Parent Attitude Research Instrument), their beliefs about…

Within the framework of a longitudinal investigation, a group of parents were studied during their transition to parenthood. The families were selected according to distinct socio-demographic variables. Fathers and mothers were interviewed separately before becoming parents, and again when the infants were 10- to 12-months of age. The interview…

This paper examines current approaches to conceptualizing and studying fathers' interactions with infants from three perspectives: (1) Spence and Helmreich's current trait theory of masculinity and femininity; (2) differentiated levels of inquiry into fatherhood; and (3) Bronfenbrenner's social ecology of the infant. Detailed discussions of each…

Analyzed male and female adolescents' perceptions of parental behavior in allowances, gifts, use of family car, curfew, and chores. Gender-equal behavior, as evinced by allowances and gift giving toward sons and daughters, was less evident in curfews and chores. Subjects' perspectives indicate that parents perpetuate stereotypical gender roles.…