Half of Brazilians believe that fathers are less present, study shows

Half of Brazilians believe that today's fathers are less present in raising their children than those of previous generations. On the other hand, eight out of ten Brazilians consider the importance of parents in their children's lives to be high or very high.

The finding comes from a study by the Nexus Institute. 2,013 people were interviewed from different regions of the country. One factor that became evident in the research was the divergence of perceptions about the role of the father between the men and women consulted.

Among women, 56% believe that fathers participate less than before, while 31% believe that they are more present. Among men, the perception is equivalent, with 44% thinking that participation is greater today, while another 44% say it has decreased.

Regarding the importance of fatherhood, 81% of men rate it as high or very high in the development of their children, compared to 73% of women.

When analyzing the age groups, it is observed that 82% of young people aged 16 to 24 consider it important. On the other hand, this recognition drops to 62% among people aged 60 and over.

The study also evaluated the practical definition of what it means to be a “good father” and points out that 49% of the population considers “being present in everyday life” as the main characteristic. Next comes educating/guiding with limits (19%), showing care and affection (8%), setting an example (7%) and offering financial security (3%).

Daily presence is cited by 53% of women as the most relevant factor in defining a good father, surpassing the 45% recorded among men.

The imposition of limits in education and guidance is seen as the main attribute by 21% of the male public and 17% of the female public.

Paternal interaction on a daily basis is seen as more important among the population aged 25 to 40 (56%) and those aged 16 to 24 (55%). Older people consider education to be the most important characteristic. The rate is higher among those aged 41 to 49 (24%) and those aged 60 or over (26%).

"Brazilians have already consolidated the idea that a good father is the one present in everyday life, leaving behind the figure of a mere financial provider. The challenge is now in practice", assesses Marcelo Tokarski, CEO of Nexus.

"The fact that half of the population sees today's parents as less participative than those in the past shows that the discourse has advanced faster than the real change in behavior within the home", he adds.