Pew Research Report on Fatherhood in the U.S.
Fatherhood in the United States has undergone significant changes in recent decades. In the past, fathers were often seen as the breadwinners of the household, while mothers were responsible for the caregiving. However, today's fathers are more involved in all aspects of their children's lives, from playtime to education.
A recent analysis based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Pew Research survey data revealed some key insights into the changing role of fathers in the United States. Here are six key findings from the report:
Dads consider being a parent a crucial aspect of their personal identity. The survey found that 85% of fathers with children under 18 view parenting as one of the most important aspects of who they are. This suggests that fatherhood is becoming increasingly important to men's sense of self. The majority of dads find parenting enjoyable and rewarding. Around 81% of fathers report finding parenting enjoyable, while 79% find it rewarding most or all of the time. This suggests that fathers are finding satisfaction in their new roles as more involved parents.
Dads spend most of their time playing with and caring for their children. On average, fathers with kids under 18 spend 1.02 hours per day caring for and helping their children. This includes 0.36 hours of playtime and 0.32 hours of physical care. Fathers with children under 6 years old tend to spend more time with them. These dads spend an average of 1.62 hours per day with their young children, including 0.57 hours providing physical care, 0.64 hours playing, and 0.08 hours reading.
The role of the breadwinner is shifting. The husband is more likely to be the primary or sole earner in marriages with more children. However, the overall share of marriages with a breadwinner husband has decreased from 85% in 1972 to 55% in 2022. Additionally, in 29% of marriages, both spouses earn roughly the same amount.
Most Americans believe that children benefit when both parents equally focus on work and caregiving. Around 77% of adults agree that children are better off when both parents balance their job or career with taking care of their children and home. Only 2% believe that children benefit when the mother concentrates more on her job. Mothers still spend more time on caregiving and education-related activities. Regardless of their children's ages, mothers tend to dedicate more time than fathers to caregiving and educational tasks. However, the gap is narrowing, as fathers are becoming more involved in these areas.
Dads feel judged by their spouse or partner more than mothers do for their parenting. Among fathers with children under 18 who are married or living with a partner, 56% feel judged by their spouse or partner at least sometimes.
Dads prioritize their children's financial independence and job satisfaction. A significant majority of fathers believe it's crucial that their children become financially independent and have enjoyable careers. They place less emphasis on their children earning a college degree, getting married, or having children.
These findings provide insights into the evolving role of fathers and their aspirations for their children, highlighting the changing dynamics of fatherhood in the United States today.
Click here to read the full report and review the graphs.