The second challenge for the fatherhood movement is racial reconciliation. Twenty or even ten years ago, fatherlessness was largely seen as a black problem, with specific causes and dimensions that were distinct from trends affecting the larger society. In short, fatherlessness in recent decades has been a racially charged and racially divisive issue. For this reason, more than almost any other issue, fatherlessness can be an issue that bridges the racial divide, a crisis that brings us together for a common purpose. The third challenge for the fatherhood movement is supporting marriage.
Some people feel that marriage itself is a problematic institution.
Others worry about being unrealistic. In this view, marriage may be a fine thing, but like it or not, many fathers today are divorced or never-married. Well, at least in my view, not really. All human societies have recognized these living arrangements as structural pre-conditions for effective fatherhood. All have created public ceremonies to legalize and sacralize them.