History Extra podcast Fatherhood: a short history
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Jun 14, 2025 
Join Augustine Sedgwick, author of 'Fatherhood: A History of Love and Power', as he dives into the historical evolution of fatherhood. He discusses how ancient cultures viewed fathers and the pivotal role they played in society. The conversation reveals the transformation through Christianity, highlighting St. Augustine's challenging views. Sedgwick also explores the impact of legal changes on fatherhood during Tudor England and how societal expectations have shifted from the time of Henry VIII to modern-day, reflecting on the complexities of paternal influence.
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Origins of Fatherhood
- Early human culture prominently represented female fertility, while male reproductive power appeared later and less commonly in artifacts.
- The concept of fatherhood emerged strongly around 5,000-6,000 years ago, possibly linked to the management of cattle breeding.
Hammurabi and Patriarchal Power
- The Code of Hammurabi institutionalized fatherhood as a mix of power and protection within an early patriarchal system.
- Fathers held privileges paired with responsibilities, enforcing obedience through severe punishments if laws were broken.
Plato vs Aristotle on Fatherhood
- In ancient Athens, Plato and Aristotle first debated fatherhood's role in society.
- Plato proposed abolishing the patriarchal family, while Aristotle favored strengthening fathers' authority to shape their offspring.
