The changing image of fatherhood

Abstract

Dual-earner families may very well be pioneers for families of tomorrow, in to-day's society. This new family structure is relatively new for Malta. However more and more married women are entering paid employment, either because they need the extra revenue or for their own personal growth and fulfilment. Although this new setting does not necessarily "damage the family", it does pose new problems and difficulties that some argue, are the government's responsibility to see to. One of the new challenges is negotiation of gender roles between the dual-earner couples. Paid employment, especially one that keeps mother away from home all day, certainly demands an alteration in the relationship and expectations between mothers and fathers and between parents and children. The husband's primary role is no longer seen as just that of a provider. Just as importantly he is seen as the wife's equal partner in the sharing of domestic duties and childcare, for the creation of an environment where each family member can grow and reach his/her full integrity. The aim of this essay is to identify the changes that this symmetrical relationship entails and to look at how the social worker can help both through a micro or macro level, when difficulties arise.