How Modern Fatherhood Is Changing Men’s Brains
Summary
Derek Thompson interviews USC researcher Darby Saxby, author of *Dad Brain*, about the evolving science and sociology of fatherhood. They discuss how fathering roles vary globally and historically, contrasting with the more biologically uniform nature of mothering. The conversation explores the rise of intensive parenting among educated men, the persistent gender gap in invisible mental load, and how maternal gatekeeping and learned helplessness hinder equitable domestic partnerships.
Topics discussed
Introduction and ServiceNow sponsorship
Disney movies and the diversity of fatherhood
Evolutionary history of fathers and resource gathering
The rise of intensive parenting and class divides
Fear, safetyism, and the decline of alloparenting
How fathers spend time with children today
Mental load and the Fair Play card game
Maternal gatekeeping and weaponized helplessness
Cultural tropes of the bumbling dad
Dad Brain: Neurological changes in fathers
Meaning, purpose, and the joy of fatherhood
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