Fatherlessness

The effects of fatherlessness have been documented from birth through childhood to adulthood. From lower birth weights to higher drop out rates to increased likelihood for incarceration, studies have repeatedly shown the negative effects of contemporary father absence. This is the issue that President Bill Clinton (in 1995) identified as “the single biggest social problem … because it contributes to so many other social problems.” Since then much has been done to understand the consequences of father absence, and the results are controversial but convincing. Fathers are important, if not necessary, for the good of children and the good of society.

Read our overview of this topic here, as well as compelling research and good resources on fatherhood and fatherlessness. 

The One Hundred Billion Dollar Man

In 1960 only 8% of children lived without his/her father. In 2006 34% of children lived without his/her biological father, and 23.3% lived with only his/her mother. 

Behind these statistics there is a cost. Read our recent research review on the financial cost of fatherlessness in America here.