In the past it was a father's duty to go to work and be the so called "bread winner" of the family. Many men had little to no involvement in the everyday responsibilities of keeping the children and home in order. Rarely did one hear of a father cooking, cleaning and spending time with the children. Although some families still live with these outdated patriarchal traditions, many families now have a much more balanced idea of sharing the family duties.
Until recently men have been viewed as a families leader, decision maker and sole provider. Men were almost always looked upon as the manager of the family. Throughout our investigation of how men have changed their roles through time, we were suprised to see that men have come such a long way. Many men no longer see a women's success and freedoms as a threat to their manhood. One classmate Ryan Owens, responded with a great example when he stated, "My mom (Norene Owens) is the first woman on her side of the family to hold a full time job. Her career is equal in importance to my fathers (Richard Owens). In fact my mother makes about $20,000 more a year than my dad, and it's no big deal for my family." Men now have a tolerance for women furthering their education and pursing a career. In fact many men today encourage their spouses to pursue what makes them happy. What a change from the past! Until recently men use to want a woman who would slave around the house cooking and cleaning. Many husbands have now adopted new roles. For example Julie Estes responded explaining, "In her family both men and women changed diapers, cooked dinner and gave children baths." Courtney Pflum also responded that her parents Martin and Nancy Pflum both work in the workforce as well as sharing the daily duties of cooking, laundry, grocery shopping and other household chores. Many men have gone from the sole "bread winner" to a partner in the parenting process. For example, Danielle Nanni tells of her father, Steve Nanni, who has adopted a great role in his family. He does most of the housework and watches his two children, while his wife (Deborah Nanni) goes to work and was the so called "bread winner".
Men today are much more interested in being
involved in the family. For many men working is no longer their only
contribution to the family. Being a father in today's society may
require a lot more work and responsibilities, but the pay off of being
a closer knit family is priceless.