Primary Caregiver Fathers — A Role Study: Some Preliminary Findings

SynopsisRecent research has emphasised the importance of the role of the father with regard to his children. This study, carried out between 1983 and 1986 investigated 25 Melbourne males who were the primary caregivers for their pre-school child or children. The study investigated the decision to parent in this manner; the definition, experience and operation of these fathers in the role; and the reactions of other people to males in this situation.Contrary to previous investigations it was discovered that: Few of these men were casualties of the recesssion; they were not temporary inhabitants of the role; they have come from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds; their role operation covered more childcare and household tasks than has been found previously; and that general societal responses tended to change over time.