Ruyi Ji Zhaojia stated: "No nation or ethnic group has fully entered modern society without the support of strong fathers." He used this to explain why, despite sharing favorable geographical conditions in the Americas, the United States and Latin America exhibit stark differences—because the U.S. possesses a cultural system that supports fatherhood.
It is widely acknowledged that America is once again in decline. Yet it remains resilient—falling but not collapsing, and rising again. The underlying reason is also tied to whether "fathers" receive support.
Modern America has experienced two major waves of father absence: the Industrial Revolution and World War II. The direct consequence of this absence was family breakdown, rooted in generations of boys failing to identify with their fathers.These "fatherless sons," once grown, exerted their greatest cultural influence in two areas: first, they created, sustained, and reinforced consumerist culture; second, "fathers" became severely underrepresented in the marriage market. Had this trend continued, the American people would have been well on their way to earning the label of "the sick man of North America."
By the mid-1990s, the U.S. government, alongside numerous civic organizations, committed to addressing the "fatherhood crisis" and initiated a range of initiatives.The most recent major initiative supporting fathers came in 2006, when the U.S. government enacted legislation allocating $150 million annually specifically for "Healthy Marriages and Responsible Fatherhood."
Fatherhood is both a program and the earliest program within the symbolic identity system. The identity of "father" generally comprises five components: provision/protection/discipline/teaching/victory.
A father must achieve the following:
First, earn substantial income while dedicating ample time to his wife and children; (Provision)
Second, protect his wife and children from natural disasters and human-made calamities; (Protection)
Third, establish household rules to maintain family structure;(Discipline Function)
Fourth, impart life's meaning and values to children; (Teachings Function)
Fifth, demonstrate superior strength and power compared to other men, at least surpassing the mother—meaning the father must embody masculinity. (Victory Function)
Throughout human history, these five core functions have expanded or contracted based on specific circumstances.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services commissioned experts to compile a handbook titled The Importance of Fathers in Children's Healthy Development, which clearly defines seven aspects of effective fatherhood: 1. Cultivating a positive relationship with the child's mother; 2. Spending time with the child; 3. Nurturing the child;4. Disciplining the child appropriately; 5. Guiding the child into the world beyond the family; 6. Providing protection and sustenance; 7. Serving as a role model for the child.
Among these seven points, the teaching function has been downplayed, while the "victory function" has been largely omitted.