Role of the Father in Child Development

Comprehensive scholarship on fatherhood from evolutionary, physiological, and psychological perspectives

Now in its Sixth Edition, The Role of the Father in Child Development remains the authoritative reference on paternal influences across cultures and contexts. Edited by Michael E. Lamb, whose research has shaped family law and policy internationally, this volume synthesizes recent scholarship from evolutionary biology, physiology, psychology, and sociology to provide a rounded understanding of contemporary fatherhood worldwide.

This edition presents up-to-date summaries of fatherhood research, including a chapter from leading psychologist James Rilling, whose specialized work on evolutionary and neurological bases of paternal behavior reaches a broader audience here. The volume examines father-child relationships across diverse family structures, including post-divorce arrangements, foster care, adoption, and LGBTQ+ parenting contexts.

The book also covers:

• Cross-cultural perspectives on father involvement and paternal roles across diverse societies and family structures around the world
• Evolutionary and physiological foundations of fathering behavior drawn from current biological anthropology and neuroscience research findings
• Research-based guidance for legal practitioners working on custody evaluations, divorce proceedings, and family court matters
• Evidence informing policy decisions on fostering, adoption, and diverse family arrangements including same-sex and LGBTQ+ parenting
• Multidisciplinary frameworks integrating psychology, sociology, and family social science perspectives on contemporary paternal engagement

Essential for scholars, researchers, and advanced students in developmental psychology and family studies, The Role of the Father in Child Development also serves practitioners in psychology, social work, and criminology. Legal professionals handling family and custody matters, custody evaluators, and policy makers will find authoritative evidence to inform their work with fathers and families.

Michael E. Lamb is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Cambridge and author or editor of more than 50 books on child development, family relationships, and children in the legal system. His research has shaped law and practice regarding post-divorce parent-child relationships, fostering, adoption, LGBTQ+ parenting, and children’s testimony. He has received multiple awards from the American Psychological Association, Association for Psychological Science, and Society for Research in Child Development, along with honorary degrees from four international universities.