As I was doing some research for another class, mostly perusing the area for some interesting gender topics, I came across this Men's Studies Journal with an article entitled, "Absent Fathers: Effects on Abandoned Sons." It seemed fitting to take a closer look into this article considering last week's lecture on the "Facets of Fatherhood." The article discusses the profound impact that ensues from a non-existent father detailing the son's stuggles with self-esteem, intimacy and concludes with a treatment model. I found a particularly interesting portion of the article that provided a case example for absent fathers. The story mirrored the compensation hypothesis, it described an abandoned man's search for his father and his subsequent therapy as he sought to be an improved father for his newly born son.
If you want to learn more about this piece of writing you can check it at:
Balcom, D. A. (1998). Absent Fathers: Effects on Abandoned Sons. The Journal of Men's Studies, 6(3), 283+. Retrieved March 6, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001348916
2 comments:
It's interesting that this piece focuses only on sons.
I feel that "absent fathers" in general is a prevalent issue that is unfortunately plaguing the world today. However, these absent fathers are also a damaging issue with daughters as well. A little girl needs to have that father figure in her life, to be affirmed by him, and to feel approved and loved by him. Sons as well. But why does society only focus on the father-son relationship?
The issue of present, yet "absent" fatherlessness is a defeating problem in America. How or what can we do to overcome this?!
While I agree that both sexes need both parents present in their life. I can see a special importance placed specifically on the father-son relationship and mother-daughter relationship. I say this because society places such importance on gender roles. Sons rely on their fathers to learn how to be a “masculine” and daughters learn from their mothers how to be “feminine”. The bond between the same sexed parent is important for growth in the individual. I mean if you don’t act the way society wants you to act there are severe repercussions and it doesn’t take an individual long to figure that out.
When one parent is missing the family always suffers. A constant balance of love and attention is by far the best way to raise your child in my opinion.
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