The Myth of the Missing Black Father

by Roberta Coles
The Myth of the Missing Black Father cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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  • ID: 9326
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-23
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
JSTOR · 2025-12-24
insightful 4.00

This book challenges negative stereotypes about black fathers, highlighting the diversity and depth of black fatherhood. It provides a nuanced understanding of the various roles black fathers play in their families and communities.

The book sets out to dismantle some of the harmful stereotypes that have been perpetuated about black men, particularly black fathers. It argues that these stereotypes are not only inaccurate but also detrimental to the well-being of black families. The contributors explore the many different ways black men perceive and fulfill their parenting responsibilities, paying close attention to the psychosocial, economic, and cultural factors that influence their roles. This comprehensive approach helps to recast the meaning of black fatherhood in a more positive and realistic light.

Quick quotes

    The Myth of the Missing Black Father set out to challenge some of the negative stereotypes that have been foisted upon black men in general, but black fathers in particular.

    This volume recasts the meaning of black fatherhood in its many manifestations, exploring two-parent families, cohabitation, single custodial fathering, and more.

    Chapters compare the diversity of African American fatherhood with negative portrayals in politics, academia, and literature.

URL Media · 2025-06-15
refreshing 4.25

This book debunks common myths about black fathers and highlights their significant contributions to their families and communities. It provides a fresh perspective on the role of black fathers in society.

The article discusses how black fathers, particularly those of color, defy common myths and stereotypes. It references the 2010 book, 'The Myth of the Missing Black Father,' which presents strong arguments against these myths. The book is praised for its qualitative analysis and its ability to compare the diversity of African American fatherhood with the negative portrayals often found in various spheres. The article emphasizes the importance of these arguments in debunking myths and providing a more accurate and positive portrayal of black fatherhood. It highlights the significant contributions black fathers make to their families and communities, challenging the narrative that they are absent or uninvolved.

Quick quotes

    Fathers of color, particularly Black fathers, defy these myths.

    One of the strongest arguments in this area was in the 2010 book, 'The Myth of the Missing Black Father.'

    The book provides a fresh perspective on the role of black fathers in society, challenging the narrative that they are absent or uninvolved.

FiveBooks · Kyle Pruett · 2020-06-21
compelling 4.50

This book is a powerful counter-narrative to the myth that black fathers are absent or uninvolved in their children's lives. It offers a compelling argument for the importance of black fatherhood in the African American community.

Kyle Pruett, a renowned expert in child development, highlights how this book effectively challenges the prevalent myth that black fathers are missing or uninvolved. He emphasizes that the book provides a much-needed counter-narrative that celebrates the diverse and meaningful roles black fathers play in their families. Pruett appreciates the book's qualitative analysis and its ability to compare the diversity of African American fatherhood with the negative portrayals often found in politics, academia, and literature. He finds the arguments presented to be compelling and believes they are crucial for understanding the true impact of black fatherhood in the African American community.

Quick quotes

    There is a huge shadow over the African American population that says black men don't stick around to raise their children.

    This book offers a compelling argument for the importance of black fatherhood in the African American community.

    The Myth of the Missing Black Father provides a much-needed counter-narrative that celebrates the diverse and meaningful roles black fathers play in their families.

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