A recent public opinion survey revealed what Russians think about fatherhood. Loving his family and participating in kids’ upbringing are the two most important factors in being a good father, according to Russians, followed by being a provider.

At the same time, 3 in 4 respondents believe that a good father should be demanding and strict towards his children.

Modern family in Russia

44% of Russians believe that fatherhood today became fashionable, following the worldwide trend on higher men’s involvement with the kids, according to a recent research by WCIOM.ru.

Kanye West recently made a statement saying that it used to be uncool to get married and then he got married, and now it’s cool to get married and have kids. Well, he definitely wasn’t the first celebrity to do it, but family values are undoubtedly having a comeback.

It’s noticeable that spending time with the children and knowing what they do at school, attending events is now somewhat of a cool thing to do for the younger generations.

The same vibe is evident in Russia, where a recent public opinion poll asked respondents whether they feel fatherhood is now in vogue, and a lot of people agree.

Who is seen as a good father in Russia?

• A good father takes care of the family, loves them and treats them well, according to 30% of participants.
• 21% of respondents believe that participating in kids’ upbringing and raising them to be good people is the hallmark of the fatherhood task performed well.
• Working, providing for the family’s financial wellbeing got votes of 20% of poll participants.
• Spending time with kids and family was mentioned by 11% of respondents.

People also view as an example of quality fatherhood a man who helps and supports (9%), attentive to the problems (8%), shows a good example (5%), gives the children education and knowledge (3%).

Who is seen as a bad father in Russia?

The opinions are much stronger in the department of bad fatherhood: The leading answer scored 37% (as compared to 30% in the question about first-rate fatherhood). The worst sin for a patriarch of a family is the lack of participation in upbringing and not looking after the brood.

Other things that mark bad fatherhood:

• Doesn’t earn money, doesn’t work or provide (15%)
• Doesn’t take care of family (14%)
• Abandoned children (10%)
• Abuses alcohol (10%)

5% of respondents believe that a man who incorrectly raises children is a bad parent, while 4% think it’s the one who doesn’t love kids.

Among other issues mentioned by Russians are showing a bad example (3%), physical abuse (3%), lack of help (3%), and terrible relationship with the mother (2%).

Modern fatherhood

• 88% of respondents believe that even if the marriage broke down, it’s still possible for a man to remain an excellent parent.
• 65% of participants support the view that if a man treats the mother disrespectfully, he cannot be called a good father.
• 70% of survey takers support the idea that a single father can raise kids no worse than a single mother.
• 50% of participants agreed that it is possible to remain a good father even living in another city.

A good father is strict?

• 3 out of 4 Russians (77%) believe a good father should be strict and demanding to the kids.
• Among men, 81% of respondents believe good fatherhood means being strict (as compared to 74% among women).
• Older people more often than younger participants link strictness with quality fatherhood: 83% of respondents who are 45 years and older support this view. Among young people aged 18-24, only 69% of respondents support this idea; within the age group 25-34 — 67%.

Data: WCIOM.ru

Read also:

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