The contribution of fathers and positive male role models to families and society

The subject for this debate was chosen by the Backbench Business Committee and it will be opened by Sam Rushworth MP. In his proposal for the debate he told the committee the debate was needed because “there is a growing cross-party consensus that Government and policy have not caught up with the importance of male role models and fathers in people’s lives. I am thinking here about the NEET crisis, the manosphere and the youth mental health crisis.”

This briefing provides provides a short overview of selected research on the benefits of high-quality father involvement. It also provides a brief summary of research on male role models. While some of the research points to a decline in positive male role models, other research has questioned whether this is the case.

The second section of the briefing provides an overview of the “manosphere”, including its influence on boys and young men and its impact on misogyny.