This is a comment by Danny on the Comment of the Day: “There is a tendency in our culture for the men who raise children to be devalued.”
Mark Greene said:
“And if money drops off, well, that is proof that we are somehow ‘slacking’. Tough stuff, all around.”
Danny said:
“There is it. When it comes to doing what the old gender roles say the male gear’s job in the machine is to go out and work and make money. The reason dads that do the child care are devalued is because they are not doing ‘what they are supposed to do’. Similar to when kids act up and people point to the mother. Raising children is what women are ‘supposed to do’ according to the old gender roles.
“Lose of money is used as ‘proof’ that the man is not doing his job. Children not being perfect dearies is used as ‘proof’ that the woman is not doing her job.
“And this is influenced by the definition of ‘all’. For a long time ‘all’ for men was to have the high paying job, lots of material possessions, and a wife to take care of the 2.5 kids and fancy home. How much he put into directly raising the children played no part. In fact that part is removed so that he can work harder at his ‘all’. Because remember for the most part however much he is making chances are his efforts are making someone above him on the food chain a lot more money than he will ever see).”
Photo credit: Flickr / SrLigYnnek