Men, Fatherhood & Families: A Biocultural Perspective (First Edition)

"The readings in Men, Fatherhood and Families synthesize biological and cultural perspectives by exploring the evolutionary history and adaptive dimensions of human fatherhood, fatherhood in other primates, as well as the ways fatherhood, marriage, and families vary across cultures. The text is organized into five units. Unit One introduces and provides examples of this biological perspective and the comparative method used throughout the book. Unit Two discusses men, mate choice, and marriage. Unit Three examines the biological changes that accompany mating, bonding, and fatherhood. Unit Four considers fathers' impacts on children's survival as well as emotional, cognitive and social development. Unit Five looks to current and future changes and challenges, including gay fatherhood, stay-At-Home dads, and military families.

As they read through the material, students will develop a biocultural perspective by making comparisons between human behavior, and parenting and family like in other primate species, and by exploring how the distinctively human type of fathering evolved. They will also consider the influence on fathering of differing social traditions and practices, socio-Economic systems, and modes of subsistence.

The book emphasizes the critical contributions of fathers to children's positive outcomes and the effects on children of divorce, step-Fathering, cohabitation, and other contemporary family structures.

Integrating readings from a variety of disciplines, Men, Fatherhood, and Families provides a unique look at the complex and fascinating role played by the male parent.

Netzin Steklis holds an M.A. in ecology and evolutionary biology from Princeton University. after spending nearly 15 years with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, she is now a lecturer at the University of Arizona in family studies and human development and an adjunct research specialist at the McClelland Institute for Children, Youth, and Families.

Dieter Steklis earned his Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a professor of psychology at the University of Arizona, South, and an adjunct professor of family studies and human development at the University of Arizona's McClelland Institute for Children, Youth, and Families. "