How much father? How have dads evolved since the 1930s?

With special guest:

• Dr Peter West
  …in conversation with Glen Poole
  

How have dads evolved since the 1930s? In the 1990s Dr Peter West interviewed a wide variety of men who grew up in the decades between the Depression and the final decade on the 20th Century. The result of those interviews was the book Fathers, Sons and Lovers: Men Talk About Their Lives from the 1930s to Today. From footballers to policemen, from railway workers to farmers, he provided a rare glimpse into the lived realities or everyday Australian dads.

In this program Glen Poole, CEO of Australian Men’s Health Forum, interviews Peter about the changing nature of fatherhood since the 1930s, asks how things have changed for dads since he wrote his book nearly 20 years ago and explores what fatherhood holds for the next generation of dads.

In his book, Peter posed the questions: “Is it easier to be a man today than it was for our fathers? How different are our expectations of boys? To what extent have relationships changed?

In the twenty years that have passed since then Peter has continued to be a regular commentator on the state of fatherhood in Australia, both lamenting negative media portrayals of dads as “fools and clowns” and highlighting ways in which he believes fatherhood is changing for the better.

In the foreword to his book, written in 1996, Peter wrote: “In debates about men and women, people seemed to emphasise the differences between the sexes. My work in the men’s movement has shown me that men often argue among themselves. But they can discover many things that unite them. This book was written in the spirit of reconciliation and in hope of making a better world for men and women alike.”

Dr Peter West

Dr Peter West taught in State and Catholic secondary schools in NSW. He has a BA Honours II.1, Dip Ed, M Ed (Sydney) and PhD (Alberta). He was Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Western Sydney until 2007.

He was also Head, Research Group on Men and Families, University of Western Sydney, 1998-2007.

In 2000-2002 Peter was Researcher in Residence, The King’s School, Parramatta. While there he wrote (in cooperation with the School) Best Practice in Boys’ Education.

Peter is the author of many books and articles, notably: Fathers, Sons and Lovers: Men Talk about Their Lives from the 1930s to Today, Sydney, Finch, 1996 and What is the Matter with Boys? Choice, Sydney, 2002.

As a specialist in boys’ education, Peter gives many workshops for teachers and parents and is known as an entertaining speaker who motivates teachers and parents to do practical things to help boys achieve.

Peter has appeared in many radio and TV interviews, often speaking of the need for fathers to do more for children and suggesting that we do more to encourage boys’ learning.

He writes for The Conversation, www.onlineopinion.com.au, as well as The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. Internationally he writes for The Good Men Project (USA) and Daddilife.com (UK).

He is proud father of three children, two of them teaching in NSW schools. He has six grandchildren and enjoys giving them treats and fun times.

Song selections by our guest: Take On Me by a-ha & Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys

Note: This program is a repeat of the one aired on 31 December 2015.

Podcast (mp3)