Welcome to Single Parenting Guide
Single Mother Parenting Article
For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Single Father Parenting: Inequities In Stereotypes
Why is a single father parenting a child seen somehow more saintly than a single mother parenting a child? A single mother is sometimes viewed as irresponsible or selfish for not staying in a bad or abusive marriage for the sake of the children, but a single father parenting is seen as some sort of saint even if he instigated the divorce.
A single father parenting a child is somehow perceived to be:
* Selfless
* Dedicated
* Warm
* Responsible
* Capable
In the job market, if a single father has children, no one asks them to take less money for a job because the employer has to pay health care for the single father parenting a child. In fact an employer probably doesn't even ask if they are married or have children in the interview unlike many businesses in different states that are now openly discriminating against single mothers. They are never questioned about their dedication to the job or if they think they can manage their responsibilities while being a single parent.
The stereotypes of single mothers parenting are different than those of a single father parenting. If a single father is late for work because junior spit up on his suit and he had to change, no one thinks that's the reason. They assume he hit a traffic jam due to an accident. However, if a single mother hits a traffic accident and is late, she is viewed as being less dedicated and every action in the workplace is judged against her role as a single mother. In other words, it is assumed she must have been late because she was caring for one of her children. No one puts a single father parenting on to the "Daddy Track" at work, but many women are side-railed onto the "Mommy Track" and their chances for promotion suffer.
A single father parenting may want the same rights as a single mother to have custody of the children, however, he doesn't want to give up the obvious advantages that come with being male in this society, in terms of earning power and workplace status and with all the stereotypes that plays into. He still wants to be perceived as totally dedicated to his work and able to multitask and manage his office and home life no matter what the demands.
How will single fathers change the stereotypes in the workplace? It would be nice to think that single fathers would prove that discriminating against a single parent, whether male or female, is unacceptable. However, if the inequalities in the perception of males versus female caregivers are not addressed, the stereotypes will not only persist, but also become somewhat lopsided.
Will single fathers reach out to single mothers and help them in workplace or is this just another case of what's goose for the goose is not good for the gander? With a growing number of men seeking custody of their children, it will be interesting to see how the stereotypes are remolded. If society is willing to accept that a single father is making huge sacrifices and performing a valuable service to the community and their children, why shouldn't the same respect be given to women who must be the sole breadwinners for their families too?
Related Articles for Single Mother Parenting
Single Mother Parenting Specific links
A Mood Booster to Combat The Credit Crunch
- Forget about the credit crunch for a little while and be just mildly entertained for a few minutes...
-- http://www.kontraband.com/
Luxury Reviews and Trends
- Discover incredible luxury travel, shopping, articles, videos and more...
-- http://www.justluxe.com/
Blinkx Video Search
- World's largest video search engine. Over 26 million hours of video.
-- http://www.blinkx.com/
Looking For Single Mother Parenting?
- Information, Option, and Images for Single Mother Parenting.
-- http://www.best5online.co.uk/
Single Mother Parenting News
Single mothers struggle to provide the best for their children - Kawartha Media Group
Single mothers struggle to provide the best for their children Kawartha Media Group, Canada - The Health Unit report said there are 6320 lone parent families in the area, of which 78 per cent are female led. Three young, single mothers sat down with ... |
MURRIETA: City to consider splitting $60000 four ways - North County Times
MURRIETA: City to consider splitting $60000 four ways North County Times, CA - At the single mothers fellowship, founder Paul Kauffman said the $10000 would go toward a yearlong program to get burdened mothers on solid ground by ... |
Learning Parenting 101: Better Late Than Never - Hartford Courant
Learning Parenting 101: Better Late Than Never Hartford Courant, United States - •If you are single with children, have lots of interests outside of your interest in your children. Have hobbies, friends, activities and a job that takes ... |