Shared parenting: A new childrearing trend?

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Abstract
Recent changes in the participation of women in paid employment, combined with an increased research interest in fathers, has led many social commentators and researchers to advocate the adoption of a shared parenting lifestyle. Little attempt has been made however, either to define shared parenting or to examine the possible antecedents and consequences of this family pattern. The present paper addresses these issues. It is argued that the critical factors in defining shared parenting are the acceptance and implementation of shared responsibilities for child management and socialization, combined with a shared contribution to providing for family needs for support and nurturance. Major findings from recent studies illustrate that although the adoption of such a pattern has many potential advantages, mothers and fathers both experience difficulties in adjusting to sharing responsibilities from their traditional domains. Proposals are put forward for changes in policies and practices which could help expand the options for families to adopt shared parenting. The need for policy integration and for equal status to be given to the options for women, men and children, are emphasised.

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