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Are Separated Fathers Less or More Involved in Childrearing than Partnered Fathers?

Author

Listed:
  • Tara Koster

    (Utrecht University)

  • Teresa Castro-Martín

    (Spanish National Research Council (CSIC))

Abstract

Separated fathers are generally assumed to be less involved with their children than partnered fathers. Yet, extant research on separated fathers has mainly focused on nonresident fathers without taking into consideration the existing diversity in post-separation residence arrangements. In fact, separated resident and shared residence fathers may possibly be more involved than partnered fathers, because the former likely bear primary childcare responsibilities, while the latter often act as secondary caregivers. This study extends previous research by investigating father involvement via regular care and leisure activities across a full range of separated fathers, and how it compares to that of partnered fathers, as well as whether patterns differ by father’s education. Data from the New Families in the Netherlands survey (N = 1592) reveal that as compared to partnered fathers, shared residence fathers and especially resident fathers are more actively involved in the regular care of their child, whereas nonresident fathers are less involved. Results are similar for leisure, except that partnered fathers are similarly involved as shared residence fathers in this activity. Education also matters: involvement of fathers across different post-separation residence arrangements is more similar to that of partnered fathers when being highly educated. These findings suggest that including resident and shared residence fathers in the picture offers a more optimistic view of fathers’ post-separation parenting role, because these separated fathers are actually more actively involved in childrearing than partnered fathers.

Suggested Citation

  • Tara Koster & Teresa Castro-Martín, 2021. "Are Separated Fathers Less or More Involved in Childrearing than Partnered Fathers?," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 37(4), pages 933-957, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eurpop:v:37:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10680-021-09593-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10680-021-09593-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tina Haux & Lucinda Platt, 2021. "Fathers’ Involvement with Their Children Before and After Separation," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 37(1), pages 151-177, March.
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    1. Matthijs Kalmijn, 2023. "Weakened parent–child ties and the well-being of older divorced parents," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 48(21), pages 591-608.

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