With a new school year just around the corner I know the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) will be looking for volunteers once again. Last year one of the mothers in the PTA was questioning why more fathers are not involved in the PTA. So as someone who analysis things for a living I had to look into why that is.
So over the next few articles I plan to dive in to why so few fathers are involved, what the PTA as a whole & as each individual association can do to get more fathers involved, and how us fathers can change the stereotype and take the first steps ourselves and get involved.
What is the PTA?
To start what is the PTA exactly. well, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) play’s a crucial role in the education system, serving as a bridge between parents, teachers, and the school administration. They provide a platform for parents to engage in their children’s education, contribute to school decision-making, and foster a sense of community.
That is the technical way of saying but really from what i have seen at least within my own kids PTA group it is a group of teachers, parents and even some kids who work together to raise money for things like new equipment, help teachers pay for supplies.
Let me stop for a second on this one and just say how important this is. So many teachers spend there own money and they don’t get paid well so our kids can have new crayons, name cards on their desk, prizes for the class treasure box, or decorations for the holiday all so our kids feel special.
This right there shows how much these teachers do for our kids, how much they truly love their students. I’ve seen teachers cry when a student struggles or when they have a break through and suddenly succeed at something they previously struggled with.
Sorry for the tangent but teachers deserve some gratitude, I know my did after dealing with me in school.
Other things the PTA provides is a fun ways to bring the community together and allow us to get to know our kids friends and other parents. So many times all you hear is a kids name and never put a face to it. At these events you also get to know local business who have donated wither it be a retailer, realtor, or other business that provides a service you didn’t even know about. Again bringing the community together.
Despite the evident importance of PTAs, there remains a notable gender disparity in their membership, with fathers being significantly underrepresented. So, let’s look into why that is.
Evolution of Parental Roles
Historically, gender roles have profoundly influenced family dynamics and societal expectations. In many cultures, the traditional family model positioned fathers as the breadwinners and mothers as the primary caregivers.
This division of labor, rooted in patriarchal systems, dictated that fathers’ primary responsibilities lay outside the home, in the workforce, while mothers managed domestic affairs, including child-rearing and educational involvement.
While societal views on gender roles have evolved significantly over the past few decades, remnants of these traditional expectations persist. Despite increasing numbers of dual-income households and stay-at-home dads, the cultural legacy of gender-specific roles continues to shape behaviors and perceptions regarding parental involvement in education.
Persistent Stereotypes
Cultural stereotypes still largely view education and child-rearing as the domain of mothers. These stereotypes are reinforced by media representations, societal norms, and sometimes even by educational institutions themselves.
Do I agree? No, but the truth is even as archaic as it is that is how things are still looked at even now as our generation is raising kids. Mostly because that is how we saw it on TV & even in our own households.
To be honest, coming from a small town of coastal Maine I’ve come to realize the further you get from the cities the more it holds true that moms raise the kids dads make the money.
As a result, fathers might feel that their involvement in PTA activities is not expected, valued, or even wanted, deterring them from participating.
Demanding Work Schedules
One of the most cited reasons for fathers’ limited involvement in PTAs is the challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities. Many fathers work in demanding professions that require long hours, frequent travel, or irregular schedules, leaving them with little time to participate in PTA meetings and events.
Yes, I know mothers are also working moms and they find the time. Heck one mother in our PTA who hold a high position in the PTA, travels all over the state frequently for work. The difference is, wither you like it or not, as a father you are viewed differently to your boss then if you were a mother especially if said employer is male or not a parent.
I’ve had a employer say “Why does he need time off he’s not having the baby.” When told a employee is taking time off after the employee’s baby was born.
Lack of Flexible Work Policies
The lack of flexible work policies in many organizations exacerbates this issue. While there has been progress in promoting work-life balance, such as remote work options and flexible hours, these benefits are not universally available.
Even when such policies exist, men might feel pressured to conform to traditional work expectations and may hesitate to utilize flexible options due to fear of appearing less dedicated or ambitious.
On top of that many work places tout that they offer a work life balance but the reality is they don’t. They can still hold it over your had during your review.
Not only that but with how many school function kids have a year, trying to skip out early even one more day then we already do, can feel like we are risking our job. If you are the sole provider for your family it can add stress to a already stressed out individual.
Perceptions of Masculinity
Societal expectations of masculinity often discourage men from engaging in activities Participating in PTA meetings, which involve caregiving and educational support, may be seen as contrary to these expectations. Some men might fear judgment or ridicule from peers, reinforcing the stereotype that such involvement is outside the scope of “manly” responsibilities.
Role Models and Representation
The lack of male role models in PTAs can create a self-perpetuating cycle. When fathers do not see other men participating, they might feel isolated or believe that their involvement is unnecessary, or even unwelcoming. Increasing male representation in PTAs could help normalize fathers’ participation and encourage more men to join.
Meeting Times and Formats
PTA meeting times and formats can inadvertently exclude fathers. Meetings are often scheduled during work hours or in the evenings, conflicting with fathers’ work commitments, commute, or family duties.
Additionally, the structure of PTA activities might not always consider the unique perspectives and contributions fathers can offer, making them feel out of place or undervalued.
Communication and Outreach
Effective communication and targeted outreach are essential for engaging fathers in PTAs. However, many PTAs primarily communicate through channels that may not effectively reach fathers, such as flyers sent home with children or emails that may go unnoticed.
With that, explain to them what the PTA actually does. Each one is slightly different even though we all have to follow the same rules. Yes there are rules, strict ones at that. Tell them what events you have, where the money goes, why the PTA does and puts in all the work that they put in.
Show them it’s not just a bunch of moms in yoga pants pretending it’s a job. Not my words but words I have heard from uneducated men in my area, but possibly felt by the men in your community.
Confidence and Self-Efficacy
Some fathers may lack confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to PTA activities. They might feel unprepared or unsure about how to navigate school systems and educational jargon. This lack of self-efficacy can deter them from participating, as they may fear making mistakes or being judged.
I can speak first hand on this one. If it’s a subject I am well versed in or I am dealing directly with my wife who doesn’t judge me for what I say I’m good at talking and helping work through things. However if it is a group of people I really do worry about looking like an idiot.
Emotional Connection
Building an emotional connection to the school community is crucial for sustained involvement. Fathers who do not feel a strong emotional bond with the school or perceive the PTA as unwelcoming are less likely to participate.
I’m lucky enough as where our PTA group is put together with an amazing school and even more amazing volunteers who welcome all the help they can get. Where if I was outspoken enough I’m sure would welcome my help.
However not all groups are like that. I have heard firsthand from other PTA groups the horror stories about how the women in the group are catty and really to them it’s all about their image and how wonderful they look, and if they did a better job then little Bobby’s mother.
If your PTA is like that trust me forget about any dad joining we don’t want to deal with that drama. You want to get our help get rid of the bad apples and you’ll more likely get our help.
Creating an inclusive and supportive environment that values diverse contributions can help foster this connection.
The underrepresentation of fathers in PTAs is a multifaceted issue rooted in historical gender roles, societal expectations, work-life balance challenges, and institutional barriers. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes flexible policies, targeted communication, and a commitment to inclusivity. By understanding and addressing the reasons behind fathers’ limited participation, PTAs can create a more balanced and supportive environment that benefits all members of the school community. Increasing father involvement in PTAs not only enhances the educational experience for children but also strengthens the entire school community, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for all.
To learn more from the fathers you can give a survey out to help understand what issues you may have locally within your Association that might be hindering fathers from joining.
Survey on Father Involvement in PTAs
In order to understand the barriers and motivators for father participation in PTAs. You need to survey a group and ask them directly or through an anonymous mean to better see how minor changes in the way your PTA works could encourage more involvement from fathers.
I would suggest surveying a diverse sample of fathers with children in elementary, middle, and high schools. Each Group could have their own troubles.
Some key questions you may want to ask are:
- What are your primary reasons for not participating in PTA activities?
- What factors would encourage you to become more involved?
- How do you perceive the role of fathers in your child’s education?
- What types of PTA activities would you be interested in?
- What skills do you have that you feel could help the PTA? ie carpentry, accounting, project management, design.
(Add and take away as you feel fit. You really never know what skills people have by looking at them. I had a coworker who all he did was talk sports in the office and it took me 7 years to learn he was a really great painter).
You can add more questions to fit your needs as a group. Who knows even getting one more dad to help could be the game changer that get more fathers involved.
By understanding and addressing the complex factors that limit father participation in PTAs, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents. The benefits of increased father involvement extend beyond individual families, contributing to stronger school communities and better educational outcomes for children.
In the next article I’ll break down steps that a local PTA can take to be more inclusive and reach more fathers to hopefully get them involved. How about you what do you see as the biggest reason why more fathers are not involved in the PTA.
