Final answer:
Studies show fathers' work involvement during their children's early years varies in impact based on cultural and societal norms. Fathers are more involved in traditionally gender-appropriate activities, and children's well-being is connected to strong parent-child relationships and equitable parental involvement in different family structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the impact on fathers who work more or less when their kids are young. Studies indicate that fathers are more involved when sons engage in gender-appropriate activities, such as sports. However, there is a societal expectation that men's work roles are not in conflict with their role as fathers, which could imply that fathers working more might not perceive a direct conflict with their parenting responsibilities.
When it comes to spending, research shows that gender affects decisions; families where the mother controls more income spend differently, with positive effects on children's health. Additionally, children living in homes with both parents generally grow up with more financial and educational advantages, and divorce impacts children differently depending on the custody arrangements, suggesting the importance of a strong parent-child relationship for well-being.
Finally, an ethnographic study among the Aka of central Africa shows that fathers can be extremely nurturing and involved, counter to socialized gender norms in other societies. Therefore, decisions on work involvement by fathers may have diverse impacts based on cultural norms, societal roles, and individual family circumstances.