The role of fathers in infant years

A report assessing theory, politics, and practice

Seminar paper from the year 2013 in the subject Pedagogy - Nursery Pedagogy, Early Childhood Education, grade: 1,0, University of Warwick (Institute of Education), course: Masculinities, Fatherhood, and Young Children, language: English, abstract: 'Poverty, pressure of business, mistaken social prejudices, none of these excuse a man from his duty, which is to support and educate his own children.' Jean-Jaques Rousseau's 'Emile' argues against distant, unfamiliar carers to teach children because the only genuinely reputable education can come from a father. As much as one may agree with this, reality must be faced: Firstly, no dad has the time anymore to fully provide for his child's learning. Secondly, friendship and strong supporting interpersonal bonds are on the decline since members of Western societies are increasingly able to survive just on their own. Keeping these facts in mind, one may evaluate the current situation in Great Britain in research, politics, and practice on how fathers can be included into their children's education with the help of nursery settings.