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Rachel Scarpato ’08 (Yardley, Pa.) presented the results of her research on the “uniparent” at the Eastern Sociological Society meeting Feb. 22 in New York City.
Scarpato, who is a double major in American studies and anthropology & sociology, completed an independent study in the fall, entitled “The Emergence of the ‘Uniparent: Constructing the Ideal Father in Contemporary American Society.’” Caroline Lee, assistant professor of anthropology & sociology, served as her adviser.
The research discusses the present-day blending of intensive fathering and mothering ideals. Scarpato argues that American society is witnessing the emergence of the “uniparent,” particularly in a father who performs both traditionally maternal and paternal duties. Uniparent fathers tend to illustrate a completely child-centered approach to childrearing, depicting the nature of self-sacrifice. Scarpato also discusses the negative implications of the uniparent, explaining that this model threatens similar anxiety for fathers which has been documented for mothers.
Scarpato developed the research proposal for the project while in her senior capstone course for her American studies major. The course required a major research project which involved a combination of two disciplines. Scarpato worked with David Shulman, associate professor of anthropology & sociology, to develop the research proposal.
Scarpato is a member of College Democrats and Delta Delta Delta sorority. She is a McKelvy Scholar and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. During the spring and summer of 2007, Scarpato worked as an EXCEL Scholar with Andrea Smith, associate professor of anthropology & sociology, exploring Easton’s urban renewal in the 1960s.
After graduation, Scarpato will be participating in the Teach for America program.
“The undergraduate poster session is a wonderful opportunity for Rachel to discuss her work with other undergraduates, graduate students, and professors,” says Lee. “It’s a great place for an undergraduate to present research, to network, and to learn more about graduate programs. Rachel is an outstanding student and we are all very proud of her accomplishments.”