How Work-Family Policies Can Promote Greater Father Involvement

In this seminar, Professor Richard Petts of Ball State University will discuss why fathers continue to perform less housework, childcare, and cognitive labor than mothers. His talk will examine how workplace norms and inadequate work-family policies limit fathers’ ability to be fully engaged dads at home. Drawing on national survey and interview data, Dr. Petts presents compelling evidence that access to paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements can increase father involvement, improve family well-being, and reduce gender inequality. The presentation emphasizes the need for policy reforms and cultural change to support modern families.

Richard J. Petts is Associate Dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities and professor of sociology at Ball State University. His research focuses on the intersection of family, work, gender, and policy; with a specific emphasis on parental leave, father involvement, and workplace flexibility policies and practices that can reduce gender inequality, promote greater work-family balance, and improve family well-being. He has published extensively in academic journals, and his work has been featured in numerous media outlets including the New York Times, CNN, USA Today, Forbes, the Atlantic, and the Wall Street Journal. You can learn more about his research by visiting his website, www.richardpetts.com. 

This virtual seminar is part of WAPPP’s weekly fall series Exploring Work and Family, led by WAPPP co-director Hannah Riley Bowles. Attendance is open to all.