Brief Biography
Rob Palkovitz is Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Delaware. His research interests are in fathering and intergenerational relationships and development, with a particular emphasis on the relationships between patterns of father involvement and developmental outcomes for men and their children. He is currently studying transitions within fathering, and characteristics of resilient fathers in challenging circumstances. His research interest in fathering goes back to his graduate school days, when he and his wife, Judy, were expecting their first child. Palkovitz has researched father’s involvement in child rearing and the effects of fathering on development ever since. In the course of studying fathering and development, he has researched factors influencing father involvement, including birth attendance and bonding, masculinity, femininity, androgyny and other personality factors, different patterns of transitions to parenthood, work patterns and career development, gender equity in division of labor, the effects of timing on father involvement, fathering and religious faith, and men’s perceptions of midlife development as they are effected by fathering, work and marriage. A frequent participant in the National Council on Family Relations’ Theory Construction and Research Methodology Conference, he is best known for his theoretical writings about reconceptualizing different aspects of development and his commentary on fathers and families.
Palkovitz regularly teaches undergraduate courses on life span development and research methods. Graduate offerings include courses on the family and the lifespan and intergenerational relationships and development. While focusing on research and theory, Palkovitz’s courses are characterized by practical application in real world settings, frequently drawing on humorous experiences with family and friends.
Along with his family, he regularly does volunteer work with inner city foster and father absent children. Palkovitz grows organic green vegetables year round in a solar cold frame which he designed and built on his last sabbatical, roasts his own blend of coffee from green Sumatran and Sulawesi beans, and enjoys hiking, camping and outdoor activities.