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Policies That Strengthen Fatherhood and Family Relationships: What Do We Know and What Do We Need to Know?

Author

Listed:
  • Virginia Knox

    (MDRC)

  • Philip A. Cowan

    (University of California, Berkeley)

  • Carolyn Pape Cowan

    (University of California, Berkeley)

  • Elana Bildner

    (MDRCs Families)

Abstract

As described in earlier articles, children whose parents have higher incomes and education levels are more likely to grow up in stable two-parent households than their economically disadvantaged counterparts. The widening gaps in fathers’ involvement in parenting and in the quality and stability of parents’ relationships may reinforce disparities in outcomes for the next generation. This article reviews evidence about the effectiveness of two strategies to strengthen fathers’ involvement and family relationships—fatherhood programs aimed at disadvantaged noncustodial fathers and relationship skills programs for parents who are together. Fatherhood programs have shown some efficacy in increasing child support payments, while some relationship skills approaches have shown benefits for the couples’ relationship quality, coparenting skills, fathers’ engagement in parenting, and children’s well-being. The research suggests that parents’ relationship with each other should be a fundamental consideration in future programs aimed at increasing low-income fathers’ involvement with their children.

Suggested Citation

  • Virginia Knox & Philip A. Cowan & Carolyn Pape Cowan & Elana Bildner, 2011. "Policies That Strengthen Fatherhood and Family Relationships: What Do We Know and What Do We Need to Know?," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 635(1), pages 216-239, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:635:y:2011:i:1:p:216-239
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716210394769
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Robert G. Wood & Sheena McConnell & Quinn Moore & Andrew Clarkwest & JoAnn Hsueh, 2010. "Strengthening Unmarried Parents' Relationships: The Early Impacts of Building Strong Families," Mathematica Policy Research Reports 1cb4397566b2466c92d63ad82, Mathematica Policy Research.
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    6. Robert G. Wood & Sheena McConnell & Quinn Moore & Andrew Clarkwest & JoAnn Hsueh, 2010. "Strengthening Unmarried Parents' Relationships: The Early Impacts of Building Strong Families (Presentation)," Mathematica Policy Research Reports 2b4f8a18654945f7bfab09d35, Mathematica Policy Research.
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    8. Robert G. Wood & Sheena McConnell & Quinn Moore & Andrew Clarkwest & JoAnn Hsueh, 2010. "Strengthening Unmarried Parents' Relationships: The Early Impacts of Building Strong Families," Mathematica Policy Research Reports 1eae3f93679e43ee9f9b7d398, Mathematica Policy Research.
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