A Portrait of Latino Fathers: Strengths and Challenges
Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth, this study examines a sample of Latino fathers ages 18 to 44 with biological children ages zero to 18. The researchers find that Hispanic fathers possess many characteristics that are associated with higher levels of father involvement and child well-being. Specifically, Latino fathers have high levels of co-residence with their children, high levels of marriage and cohabitation with their female partners, and relatively low levels of multiple-partner fertility. Although these patters were found for both immigrant and U.S.-born Hispanic fathers, they are especially pronounced for immigrant fathers. Indeed, "the family experiences of Latino immigrant fathers and their U.S.-born counterparts diverge to such a degree than in order to understand Latino fathers, it is important to know their nativity status." The researchers also note that, as Latino fathers are predominantly low income and have high labor force participation rates -- often working long hours or multiple jobs -- they were less likely than their resident black or white counterparts to engage in daily caretaking chores.
Karberg, E., Lina Guzman, Elizabeth Cook, Mindy Scott, and Natasha Cabrera. (2017). A Portrait of Latino Fathers: Strengths and Challenges. National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families. Available here: https://www.hispanicresearchcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-Portrait-of-Latino-Fathers-V21.pdf