*Parent Role

This dissertation examined primary caregiving fatherfamilies and how they construct their roles in contrast to primary caregiving mother families. A Self-report survey instrument was constructed. and administered to a sample of 93 married couples inthe United States with children under the age of 6. Surveys werecoded by couple, analyzed, and classified into appropriate groups:one group in which the father was the primary caregiver (PCGF); and asecond group in which the mother was the primary caregiver (PCGM).The results suggested that PCGFs are contributing to changingpatterns in the traditional role.: prescribed by society, pointing toan emerging family structure that is different from, rather than thereverse of, the traditional family structure. The PCGF provides astrong male influence, with nurturing abilities. At the same time,the non-PCGM continues to play a critical role in the child'sdevelopment. She continues to exhibit strong nurturing ability and,in addition, brings new experiences related to working outside thehome. The PCGF family model facilitates the active participation ofboth parents in the care of their child. Appendices contain copies ofthe survey questionnaire and the cover letters and a list with thecomparison of couple responses. Contains 51 references. (AA) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be madefrcm the original document