The First Father: Perspectives on the President's Fatherhood Initiative

Family Court Review, Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 297–309, April 2012

SMU Dedman School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 114

13 Pages Posted: 27 May 2012 Last revised: 14 Feb 2013

See all articles by Jessica Dixon Weaver

Jessica Dixon Weaver

Southern Methodist University - Dedman School of Law

Date Written: April 20, 2012

Abstract

This short article presents an analysis of the thirteen-year-old President's Fatherhood Initiative utilized by the executive branch to tackle the problem of absent fathers in America. It argues that this social policy attempts to recapture the economic incentives central to the controversial Moynihan Report of 1965, emphasizing patriarchal and classist solutions to America's family crisis. The programs instituted by the Fatherhood Initiative stigmatize black and brown fathers and fail to address underlying government policy issues that impact their ability to be present and financially supportive in their children's lives. The programs still emphasize the marriage dyad as a cure-all rather than seeking to support the various family forms that exist today, calling into question whether the Fatherhood Initiative has contributed to the improvement of children's well-being.

Keywords: fatherhood initiative, responsible fatherhood, marriage, child well-being, family, incarcerated parents, President, Moynihan Report, Obama, Clinton, Bush, child well-being

Suggested Citation

Weaver, Jessica Dixon, The First Father: Perspectives on the President's Fatherhood Initiative (April 20, 2012). Family Court Review, Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 297–309, April 2012, SMU Dedman School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 114, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2067080

Jessica Dixon Weaver (Contact Author)

Southern Methodist University - Dedman School of Law ( email )

P.O. Box 750116
Dallas, TX 75275
United States
2147682641 (Phone)
2147683142 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.smu.edu/Law/Faculty/Profiles/Weaver-Jessica-Dixon

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