ABSTRACT

This chapter kicks off with a little talk on what being a man or woman entails. After a quick mention of the roles of members of a family, the definitions and scope of fathering and mothering are provided and examples by culture are given. The pros and cons of fathering versus mothering are tabled for quick reference. Snippets on stay-at-home dads and mums and a short section on new fathers and mothers add flavour to the chapter. It wraps up with a final section comparing the effect of fathering and mothering on children, giving some outcomes as food for thought.