Most Low-Income Fathers Stay Involved With Their Kids, A Study Suggests

A new study has contradicted a widely held stereotype revealing that most of the low-income dads are more involved with their children. The study clearly stands against the view that many low-income dads quit the responsibilities they have towards their children.

"Our research suggests that fathers are rolling up their sleeves and getting involved with their children," said Robert Keefe, study author and an associate professor at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work in Buffalo, New York.

Are low-income dads staying involved with their kids? #UBuffalo https://t.co/CpJXlYLi9p

— UB OVPRED (@BuffaloResearch) October 7, 2016

The study data was collected by interviewing low-income parents from 1996 to 2011 in Syracuse, New York. 94 percent of the mothers in those interviews stated that the fathers of their children were slightly to highly involved with their children as well as the families. Researchers said that the statement held true even when the fathers were in prison, according to UPI.

"Regardless of what these fathers were facing, they tried to stay involved with their children," Robert Keefe said. He also noted that the financial condition and support was the major factor that determined American fathers' involvement with their kids.

Keefe brought to surface the fact that it is unfair to limit the definition of fatherhood involvement only to monetary support when a large number of fathers are trying to be good fathers under all parameters. Since the study consisted of only low-income fathers, their economic contribution was not that great and because of this, and the current definition of fatherhood involvement, they're automatically put into the categories of being uninvolved or deadbeat dads, according to HealthDay.

Low-income fathers work three or more jobs, go off for military duties or volunteer at jobs in hopes that the job will turn into a permanent full-time paying job so that they can provide for their children well. But all these ways limit the time these fathers can spend with their children. Many fathers who are in jails try to remain as involved with their kids as possible through visits or phone calls.

Hence categorizing all low-income fathers as deadbeat or involved is totally unfair and uncalled for.