House Husbands: The 21st Century Men

We all know it isn't the 1950's anymore, in fact it's not the 1980's either. The Women's rights movement of the 20th century and the Civil rights movement of the 1960's has changed the face of America permanently. More and more Women are working, some with kids some without. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the working landscape began its change and with that an increase of Women in the job market morphed the employment landscape. With this change has emerged a new kind of 21st century type of Man. No longer do 20th century rules apply, Men's roles are changing; they are becoming house husbands, co-workers, and subordinates to females. Relationship dynamics are changing, earnings potentials are shifting and responsibilites are adjusting. While this is not the case everywhere and old biases and power structures still exist the wheels have been set in motion and there is no turning back.

Men can now be part-time or full-time stay at home Father's and husbands without feeling the guilt of bread winner expectations and beliefs of gender roles that are on the wane. For some Men, putting self-esteem issues aside is an obstacle and a challenge, for others it's the way things are. It is simply the new reality that Men are increasingly likely to schedule kid's doctor visits, do the laundry, cook the meals and take care of the family at home. The statistics on this relatively growing trend are still coming in; according to a 2004 Time survey of 1304 Men, 22% of American men across multiple racial groups were stay at home Dads. Furthermore, of those same men 55% didn't care if a boss was Male or Female. Also, a 1993 demographic report from the US Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Cenus stated that of 14.8 million households with working wives and mothers, 2.9 or near 20% of those millions were also stay at home Dads. Assuming the 1950's had only 2% of households with stay at home Dads or House Husbands, a 22% rate would be an 1100% increase. While still a minority, that number is trending upwards and may level off at around 40-60%. Gay couples too are becoming increasingly accepted and the stigma of heterosexual families may also come to pass.

As the baby boomer generation passes the torch of leadership and social management to its children and their children, the traditions and ideals of a time passed will begin to subside. The 21st century trends are already in motion, and Women are increasingly likely to be the 'Top Boss' at the office, 'Bread winner' for the household, and Working Mothers. Men, while still competitive and ambitious will likely hold some of their workplace territory valiantly, but will ultimately forfeit some of their careers to Women. These changes make possible more Male responsibility on the home front and with that, a different type of life. Men will have an increased opportunity to develop relationship assets with children through stronger bonds with children and may also develop an increased sense of homemaking and domestic duty. The future has its foot in the door and the World is fast becoming a level playing field for the genders.

Sources:

http://www.businessweek.com/2001/01_04/b3716163.htm
http://i.timeinc.net/time/2004/spiketv/images/poll_1.gif
http://www.rebeldad.com/stats.htm
http://www.census.gov/prod/3/97pubs/p70-59.pdf
http://odeo.com/audio/1494145/view