The Division of Household Labor and Couples Relationship Satisfaction - Dan Carlson
In this Stronger Marriage webinar, Dr. Dan Carlson shares powerful research on father involvement and its positive impact on children, co-parenting, and family well-being. He explores the connection between equality in parenting, relationship satisfaction, and father identity. Learn practical strategies to support engaged fatherhood, balance family roles, and improve child outcomes across diverse family structures.
Time Markers
00:00 – Welcome and intro by Nyah Phelps
00:28 – Dr. Carlson’s background in family research and sociology
01:25 – The importance of father involvement
02:20 – What the research shows about benefits for kids
03:44 – How involved dads affect child development
04:57 – Gender roles and father engagement
06:30 – Equal parenting and co-parenting satisfaction
08:00 – Challenges dads face in being more involved
09:38 – Role of societal and workplace expectations
10:40 – Helping dads embrace caregiving as part of identity
11:50 – Father involvement and long-term relationship health
13:15 – Fathering in different family types (married, divorced, cohabiting, etc.)
14:32 – Reducing father absence through support and policy
15:57 – How parenting equality benefits moms too
17:14 – Cultural shift toward more active fathering
18:23 – Encouragement for fathers and those supporting them
19:45 – Q&A and final thoughts
About Dan Carlson:
Dr. Daniel L. Carlson is Associate Professor of Family and Consumer Studies at the University of Utah and the executive director of the Council of Contemporary Families. Dr. Carlson studies the causes and consequences of couples’ divisions of labor and is currently investigating how parents’ divisions of household labor changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. His research has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic and Time among numerous media outlets.
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