The effects on boys’ well-being of changing family dynamics

Abstract

Children have been affected by recent changes in the fundamental childrearing institution, the nuclear family. Boys are in a precarious position as a result of these changes. This paper first assesses the current condition of the nuclear family. Next, some of the features of the new boyhood in Western culture are discussed. Finally, the impact of the missing father on the well-being of boys’ lives is examined; father hunger is a critical consequence of the destabilization of the nuclear family. Mentoring remains crucial to raising healthy males. Those who have sons or who work with boys and young men must let them speak; doing so does not preclude standing up for them, something we must do without any further delay.

Keywords: boys, family, males, men, the new boyhood