Figure 1: A Conceptual Ethic of
Fathering as Generative Work |
| |
Challenges of the Human Condition |
Attendant Needs of the Next Generation |
Types of Generative Work--Fathers' Capabiities
and Responsibilities |
Desired Results of Generative Fathering |
1 |
DEPENDENCY
Vulnerability
&
Uncertainty
(infancy) |
SECURITY
&
CONTINUITY |
ETHICAL WORK
Commit
pledge to ensure child's well-being
Continue
be an enduring presence in child's life |
INVOLVED
Fathers
SECURE
Children |
2 |
SCARCITY
Necessities
&
Aspirations
(early childhood) |
RESOURCES
&
OPPORTUNITIES |
STEWARDSHIP WORK
Consecrate
dedicate material resources to child
Create
provide possibilities for child to achieve |
RESPONSIBLE
Fathers
CONFIDENT
Children |
3 |
CHANGE
Development
&
Transformation
(play age) |
ATTENTION
&
ACCOMMODATION |
DEVELOPMENT WORK
Care
respond to child's needs & wants
Change
adapt in response to child's needs |
RESPONSIVE
Fathers
PURPOSEFUL
Children |
4 |
STRESS
Tension
&
Demands
(school age) |
RELAXATION
&
CAPABILITIES |
RECREATION WORK
Cooperate
relax & play together on child's level
Challenge
extend child's skills & coping abilities |
PLAYFUL
Fathers
JOYFUL
Children |
5 |
PERPLEXITY
Apprehension
&
Confusion
(adolescence) |
ENCOURAGEMENT
&
MEANING |
SPIRITUAL WORK
Confirm
affirm belief & confidence in child
Counsel
guide, teach, advise, impart meaning |
FAITHFUL
Fathers
PEACEFUL
Children |
6 |
ISOLATION
Aloneness
&
Misunderstanding
(young adulthood) |
INTIMACY
&
EMPATHY |
RELATIONSHIP WORK
Commune
share love, thoughts,
feelings with child
Comfort
express empathy & understanding to child |
LOVING
Fathers
CARING
Children |
7 |
OBLIGATION
Complexities
&
Burdens
(adulthood) |
WISDOM
&
SUPPORT |
MENTORING WORK
Consult
impart insights & suggestions when asked
Contribute
sustain & support generative work |
GENERATIVE
Fathers
GENERATIVE
Children |