New Books in Sociology

Nara Milanich, "Paternity: The Elusive Quest for the Father" (Harvard UP, 2019)

Jan 4, 2025
Nara Milanich, a Professor of history at Barnard College and author of "Paternity: The Elusive Quest for the Father," delves into the complex evolution of fatherhood. She argues that paternity is socially constructed rather than just a biological fact, influenced by historical and cultural contexts. Milanich discusses how pioneering paternity testing, particularly in Brazil, shaped societal views of fatherhood. She highlights the differing applications of paternity testing and its implications for marginalized groups, showcasing the intricate relationship between science, law, and family dynamics.
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INSIGHT

Paternal Uncertainty: A Social Construct

  • Paternal uncertainty, the idea that fatherhood is impossible to know with certainty, is a social construct, not a biological fact.
  • Historically, fathers were defined by behavior or marital status, not biology.
INSIGHT

Modern Paternity: A New Definition

  • Modern paternity, emerging in the 1920s, defines the father as biologically determined and knowable through science.
  • It promotes the idea that knowing the father is beneficial for society.
ANECDOTE

Blood Tests in Brazil

  • Early blood tests in Brazil were used in rape cases to assess the veracity of women's claims, not for child support as in Germany.
  • This highlights how the same technology can be used for different social purposes.
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