Fatherhood Evolution and Human Paternal Behavior is a book written by Peter B. Gray and Kermyt G. Anderson.
The book explored different aspects of fatherhood from evolutionary and cultural perspectives. It discusses the role of fathers across different cultures and how the socio economics and mating variations determine men’s parental care and the decision to produce a certain number of children. The book presents evidence on how fatherhood alters a man’s life. The psychological and sexual changes men go through after becoming a father and how it may positively and negatively affect his life. Looking at both marriage and divorce the authors discuss differences in men and women’s preferences regarding marriage; men prefer good looks in their …show more content…
I was not aware that postpartum depression is also common health problem among men. I also found it interesting how cultural variations and influences determine the behavior of fathers and the role of a father has deep evolutionary roots in our species’ lineage. Thus it was interesting to know how men have evolved a suite of emotional, hormonal, and psychological capacities that may be mobilized when they become fathers, but the extent is largely determined by local culture and context. After reading the book it was interesting to get fathers perspective on different aspects of the book and the class discussion helped highlight the main points of the book as well as certain criticism. The discussion, especially noted through the enthusiasm of the fathers to participate and share their own opinions, led to an understanding that fatherhood is also a very emotional process, something which is impossible to learn just by reading a book. The guest participants being fathers themselves were able to relate to the book and shared their own experiences. They agreed with the authors that fatherhood is a demanding job and psychologically and sexually tough especially during and after the pregnancy. However they were all in agreement that fathers should play positive and active roles in their children’s lives. The discussion pointed out certain gaps in the book such as the socio economic status of the father while discussing the financial support after the divorce and the need of more information on gay parenting. Another important point of the discussion was US health policies. Considering the fact that postpartum is difficult period for fathers as well 60 countries allow men’s paternity leave, but such a policy does not exist in the USA. Some of the students’
The book explored different aspects of fatherhood from evolutionary and cultural perspectives. It discusses the role of fathers across different cultures and how the socio economics and mating variations determine men’s parental care and the decision to produce a certain number of children. The book presents evidence on how fatherhood alters a man’s life. The psychological and sexual changes men go through after becoming a father and how it may positively and negatively affect his life. Looking at both marriage and divorce the authors discuss differences in men and women’s preferences regarding marriage; men prefer good looks in their …show more content…
I was not aware that postpartum depression is also common health problem among men. I also found it interesting how cultural variations and influences determine the behavior of fathers and the role of a father has deep evolutionary roots in our species’ lineage. Thus it was interesting to know how men have evolved a suite of emotional, hormonal, and psychological capacities that may be mobilized when they become fathers, but the extent is largely determined by local culture and context. After reading the book it was interesting to get fathers perspective on different aspects of the book and the class discussion helped highlight the main points of the book as well as certain criticism. The discussion, especially noted through the enthusiasm of the fathers to participate and share their own opinions, led to an understanding that fatherhood is also a very emotional process, something which is impossible to learn just by reading a book. The guest participants being fathers themselves were able to relate to the book and shared their own experiences. They agreed with the authors that fatherhood is a demanding job and psychologically and sexually tough especially during and after the pregnancy. However they were all in agreement that fathers should play positive and active roles in their children’s lives. The discussion pointed out certain gaps in the book such as the socio economic status of the father while discussing the financial support after the divorce and the need of more information on gay parenting. Another important point of the discussion was US health policies. Considering the fact that postpartum is difficult period for fathers as well 60 countries allow men’s paternity leave, but such a policy does not exist in the USA. Some of the students’