New Dads Say Society Is Biased Against Them

05-01-12 Dads with children under age two are more likely than fathers with older children to feel there is a societal bias against dads (82% vs. 66%), according to The Parenting Group and Edelman.

Dads say they do more parenting and housework than society at large recognizes. Dads feel the job that best describes their role in the family is “short-order cook.” One in four (26%) say they do all of the family grocery shopping, and 22% say they do all of the cooking. When compared to their own fathers, today’s dads are more likely to buy groceries (70% vs. 32%), take care of children (70% vs. 33%), cook (67% vs. 22%), and clean (70% vs. 10%).

New dads are more likely than new moms to buy locally grown products, even if they cost more. Dads are also more likely than moms to use at least four sources of information to help them make purchase decisions (59% vs. 44%).

Although the largest percentage (35%) seek childcare advice from their wives/partners, 27% say they don’t seek out any advice and just go with their instinct. Only 4% turn to their own fathers.

There are several notable difference in behaviors and opinions among dads with children under age two, first-time dads, and fathers with older children. First-time fathers, for instance, are more likely than other fathers to seek parenting advice from others. They are also more likely to feel they share childcare responsibilities equally with their partners, and are more active online. In fact, Millennial dads have more online friends via social networks than Millennial moms (96 friends vs. 70 friends). 

Sources: Edelman, Missy Maher, Director, Mom Foresight, 200 E. Randolph St., 63rd Fl., Chicago, IL 60601; 312-240-3000; Chicago@edelman.com; www.edelman.com.

The Parenting Group, Victoria Livadas, 2 Park Ave., 10th Fl., New York, NY 10016; 212-779-5312; victoria.livadas@bonniercorp.com; www.parenting.com. Also, Shawn Bean, Executive Editor, shawn.bean@bonniercorp.com.

© Copyright 2012, EPM Communications, Inc. May not be reproduced without written consent of publisher.

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