Effects of Absent Fathers on Adolescents Essay -- Social Issues, Divor

The role of the father, a male figure in a childs life is a very crucial role that has been diminishing over the years. An absent father can be defined in cardinal ways the father is physically not present, or the father is physically present, but emotionally present. To an adolescent, a father is an idolized figure, someone they flavor up to (Feud, 1921), thus when such a figure is an absent one, it can and will negatively affect a childs development. Many of the problems we cause in society today, such as crime and delinquency, poor academic achievement, divorce, drug use, early pregnancy and sexual activity can be attributed to fathers beingness absent during adolescent development (Popenoe, 1996 Whitehead, 1993). The percentage of adolescents growing up fatherless has risen from 17% to 36% in except three decades between 1960 and 1990 (Popenoe, 1996). Dr. Popenoe estimates this subprogram will increase to approximately 50% by the turn of the century (Popenoe, 1996). The US Census Bureau reported out of population of 24 meg children, 1 out 3 live in a home without a father (US Census Bureau, 2009). The role of a father is more than just another parent at home (Popenoe, 1996). Having a father, the male biological parent in a childs life is important because it brings a different type of parenting that cannot be replicated by anyone else (Stanton, 2010). Fathers who are present and active in a childs life provide great benefits to a developing child (Popenoe, 1996). Having a father brings a different kind of love. The love of the father is more expectant and instrumental, different from the love of a engender (Stanton, as cited in Pruett, 1987). The effect of an absent father can be quite devastating to the developing ad... ...istics, 1999). McBride, Brent A., Sara K., Sullivan, and Ho-Ho (2005) reported about the achievement levels in a adolescent who grows up with a father, A study of 1330 children from the PSID showed that fathers who are involved on a personal level with their child schooling increases the likelihood of their childs achievement. When fathers assume a positive role in their childs education, students feel a positive impact. (p. 201-216). Children who do not grow up in a two parent homes, are more likely to fail and repeat a grade in school. It is also important to note that children who grow up in single parent families are less likely to have parents involved with the school, 62% of children with two parent homes have parents that are involved in school, age children from single parent homes have half of them involved in school (Nord, Winquist, West, 2001).