Children are suffering in huge numbers from the tragic absence of their fathers from their lives (Ancona, 1998). The root of the father-absence disaster is the emotional and physical disappearance of the father (Horn & Sylvester, 2002). The increase in unwed childbearing and divorce rates are the two major trends that have contributed to the rise in father absence (Lamb, 2001). One million children will be affected by these two trends. Children born outside of marriage, from 1960 to 2000, rose by 600% after being below 5% for several years (Kalb, Farrington, & Loeber, 2001).

Father absence is damaging to the maturational process of his children and harmful for the maturation of the country itself (Ancona, 1998). Ancona postulated that father absence has “damaged the social fabric of modern-day America, stripping the nation of its maturation process” (p. 5). The United States is hurting for an adult male identity (Ancona; Biller, 1971, 1974, 1982; Biller & Solomon, 1986; Horn & Sylvester, 2002) and the subsequent inability of all its citizens to achieve maturity and independence (Ancona).

The United States is becoming a society of absent fathers (Ancona, 1998; Blankenhorn, 1995; Horn & Sylvester, 2002; Popenoe, 1996a). Father absence is one of the unanticipated and fundamental and trends of our time (Popenoe). Blankenhorn reported that father absence is the most destructive movement of this generation. The proportion of children living in father absence homes from 1960 to 1990 has more than doubled, from 17% to 36%. Due to these numbers, the average child spends a considerable segment of his or her childhood residing in a fatherless household.

            Father absence is seldom talked about; however, its impact on society and its significant effect on adolescent behavior is second to none (Blankenhorn, 1995; Popenoe, 1996a). Father absence is a key force behind many of the problems that govern the news: substance abuse, depression, juvenile delinquency, and premature sexuality that leads to out of wedlock births.

            Researchers such as Blankenhorn (1995), Horn and Sylvester (2002), and Popenoe (1996a) are not reluctant to talk about the impact of father absence on children. Horn and Sylvester noted that children who live in a fatherless home have a greater chance of engaging in delinquent behavior, experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties, being poor, and using drugs. Their chances are 2 to 3 times greater than children who reside with their married parents (whether biological or adoptive).

            In an effort to tackle the problem of father absence, the National Fatherhood Initiative was established in 1994 (Horn & Sylvester, 2002). This organization works to educate and to inspire using campaigns, research, and other resources to promote public awareness to all Americans. Secondly, this organization also works to develop and to equip national and local leaders of the fatherhood movement with curriculum, trainings, and technical assistance. Finally, their organization works by forming strategic partnerships and alliances in every sector of society.

            The proportion of fatherless residents in a community is directly linked to the rate of violent crimes and burglary occurrence; however, the percentage of fatherless residents does not predict the poverty level of a community (Horn & Sylvester, 2002). The effects of growing up without a father cannot be ignored when it is reported that 72% of adolescent murderers, 60% of rapists, and 39% of prison inmates recall not having a father present during childhood (Horn & Sylvester). Additionally, it is likely that those inmates who did grow up with their fathers did not have a positive relationship with them. The male child who witnesses their father’s violent behavior will in turn imitate the inappropriate behavior. Research shows us that violent male children are a product of their role models—their violent fathers. However, their counterparts, the strong, loving, firm, committed, involved, and responsible fathers are more likely to raise children who tend to avoid violence. The link between violent fathers and violent children is clear. Fathers are role models; therefore, the question should be are men willing to demonstrate their love for their children by taking responsibility for their own anger and violence (Horn & Sylvester)?

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