Paternal child care as a policy relevant social phenomenon and research topic: The question of values

In this sense the very concern with the issue of active paternal involvement in childcare in a social policy context is indicative of a climate of ideas that points towards change. It implies that certain groups think such participation beneficial. Some of the questions that immediately arise are: Who are the members of these groups? Who are considered the beneficiaries of change? Are fathers themselves among the beneficiaries? Put differently, do fathers agree with the proposition that they should take a more active part in raising their children? On what prem- ises is this line of action advocated? These are all value-based questions, very much " of our age in nature and kind,�? that this chapter will attempt to address.