Lost Fathers : The Politics of Fatherlessness in America

The concept of fatherlessness has emerged at the center of debates over welfare, poverty, sexuality, divorce, family values, and "racial disorder." Do children need fathers? Do mothers need husbands? Should we celebrate or grieve the loss (or transformation) of fatherhood? This collection brings together the voices of nine highly diverse scholars to reflect on the culturally and politically charged concept of "fatherlessness" and to illustrate the deep and dramatic divisions that constitute public debate on this issue. No other book offers the range of perspectives on the issue of father absence--from conservative to radical feminist--that is presented by this one.

“A timely presentation of basic arguments on this polarized issue.” —Booklist

“An interesting and multifaceted discussion. . . . This book makes a solid and learned contribution to the public policy discussion.” —Library Journal

“Lost Fathers. . . defines the battle lines. In one camp are those who think marriage and fatherhood are essential to socialize men, producing a stability which protects women and children and underpins liberal democratic society. In the other are those who believe that marriage is a patriarchal conspiracy against women, that gender differences are an oppressive social construct and that family life should be reconstituted around egalitarianism and androgyny.” —Times Literary Supplement