However, as referred to above, one central reason for absent fathers is that society in general no longer advocates a definitive role and structure for the father to adhere to. This can be related to the breakdown in norms and values in contemporary society which previously gave clear guidelines about the importance and purpose of fatherhood. In our postmodern society the norms about traditional fatherhood have been radically questioned and new models, such as the single-parent family have begun to receive acceptance.

Nevertheless, the research evidence indicates that the father plays an essential role in the psychological as well as the sociological balance of the sexes within the structure of the family. From a personal point-of-view I consider the father figure to be extremely important in the healthy development of the child. In my experience the importance of my father is undeniable and his presence provided me with the essential...
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