Final answer:
Gary's reluctance to continue in a research study on teen fathers reflects concerns about how society perceives and judges fatherhood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concerns raised by Gary about participating in a study of teen fathers are rooted in the social understanding of masculinity and fatherhood. Research has shown that the socialization of men involves them performing specific versions of fatherhood as proof of their masculine identities. Studies like those by Barry Hewlett on the Aka of central Africa highlight how fathers can be affectionate and involved in their children's lives, contradicting stereotypes of men being less capable of forming emotional bonds or engaging in childcare.
However, societal expectations and prejudices can still create anxiety in fathers like Gary, who may fear that their participation in studies will be used to judge their fitness as a father negatively.