Stay-at-home dad: A Circumstantial Transformation
It is a
logical fact that a man does not become a father, nor deserves that title, if
he has no child. This argument is also applicable to a potential step-father
with in relation to gaining a step-son. But the issue presented here is not
merely focused on when a man turns
into a father. It will dwell on a rank, stature, or promotion that extends
farther than the mere designation of a male parent. This refers to the
modern-day classification of men who are called “stay-at-home-dads/fathers”.
There are
so many diverse and specific reasons why a husband, after being assigned the label
of ‘father’, mutates into a social icon which has half of opposing aspects -(as
the mythical Greek creature: the CENTAUR-: half man and half horse.) As for the
SAHD; he is both father AND mother simultaneously. But other than merely
describing the characteristics of a stay-at-home-dad; the stimuli for their
‘evolution’ has to be noted as well.
How do
they come to be?
The most definite answer to this question would be: CIRCUMSTANTIAL.
There are
forwarded reports of husbands who voluntarily choose to become a parent,
ensconced at home; doing the common household chores and fulfilling the duties
which; during more conservative ages and in nations of anachronistic cultural
standards, were marked as those of a wife and a mother. Many of these men have
been noted to take on work-at-home jobs; are capable of financially
contributing to the family budget; and enjoying the opportunity of being able
to bond and improve ties with their children. This would be a more favorable
or positive way of considering the coming about of a househusband.
Other circumstances would prove to be rather demanding and unavoidable; or unavoidably demanding. While some husbands/fathers take on the
said duty by their volition, others are compelled to do so without a choice. If
say, a man cannot find a job, for some reason or another, to take on the role
of the family’s provider and his wife happens to have one; he has to remain at
home and take on her responsibilities. Caring for their children will be no
exception unless they do not have any.
To share
another realistic predicament, I would narrate of my transformation into such a
type of individual. Briefly narrated: my wife and I shared an apartment at a
location which was distant and, therefore, strenuously accessible for any of
our families. Because she had a job and I did not, due to my disability as an
epileptic-(and in spite of it); I was compelled to take on both the paternal
and maternal obligations of a parent.
Other than
those narrated herein; there are so many explanations a man can offer when he
is asked why, or how, he came to be a stay-at-home father. Some gain the
sympathy and respect of others by it; others have to ‘face-the-music’ and take
on the criticisms and censure given them by society: some given unjustly; some,
the consequences of how they take on the responsibilities bestowed on them.
They are accepted as noble figures, or detracted as incompetents.
Whichever
or however they are considered; they are the new social figure of the modern
age.
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