Brazil study reveals shifting perceptions of paternal presence

A study by Instituto Nexus reveals a shift in Brazilian perceptions of fatherhood. While 80% of respondents consider the father's role highly important for child development, 50% believe modern fathers are less present in daily upbringing compared to previous generations. The research highlights a gender divide: 56% of women believe paternal participation has decreased, whereas men are split evenly, with 44% seeing an increase and 44% seeing a decrease.

Cultural expectations are evolving from the traditional provider role toward active emotional presence. For 49% of those surveyed, being “present in daily life” is the primary characteristic of a good father, surpassing financial security (3%) and setting limits (19%).

Complementary data from Arpen-Brasil and Instituto Locomotiva highlight structural challenges. Over 1.6 million children were registered without a father's name in Brazil over the last decade, though voluntary recognition is rising. Additionally, 49% of Brazilians in classes D and E reported growing up without a consistent father figure, often leading to increased domestic burdens for women.