Seminar 12
Seminar 12: Fatherhood The lack of attention fatherhood has received in historical discourse, perhaps reflects contemporary attitudes. Fatherhood was not viewed as a shared male profession, passed down through the generations, in the same way as motherhood. Unlike working-class women, who enjoyed access to comprehensive support and advice networks among kin, friends and the community fathers do not seem to have had such peer support. Nonetheless, this does not mean individual fathers were not engaged in the care of their children. In this seminar we will investigate how attitudes towards and experiences of fathers were changing since 1860, and what continuities have remained. Seminar/Essay Questions:
- How have ideals of fatherhood been changing over the period 1860-2000?
- Have men become more domesticated?
- Are fathers still viewed as being providers for their families?
- In what ways has it been argued that children need fathers?