The author provides a theoretical perspective for understanding the roles African American fathers play in their families. Ecological theory considers the context in which African American fathers play the roles of provider, protector, shared decision maker, child socializer, and supporter of his spouse. From an ecological and historical perspective, despite economic, employment, and educational barriers, African American fathers are no different from fathers in other ethnic groups regarding the roles they play within their family. Better evaluations of the interactions between African American fathers and the various institutions with which they come in contact will help human service practitioners develop better services and programs.
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