Family ships (was Re: Pomfrey and Gender balance/strong women Madam Pomfrey...)

[aprilgc at ivillage.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 15143

> > > Susan responded:
> 
> NO ONE has answered the question -- where are the men who stay home
> with the children? where are the men who are basically the supporters of the women who act? where are men whose primary role is NURTURANCE?
> And who have no other major role?
> 
I attempted to respond:
How many wizarding families (or Muggle families) have we even met?  
Harry only knows about his own and his friends' families - we have no 
way of knowing weather Dean Thomas or the Patils, for example, are 
raised by single or stay-at-home Dads.
(see message 14953)

We know now that Hagrid was raised by a "single" dad because Harry 
found out about it.  We overheard someone (I think Seamus, but I don't 
remember the reference) saying that his dad flipped when he found out 
mom was a witch, and there have been a few other family/relationship 
discussions that we've been privy to (through Harry's involvement or 
overhearing), but Harry doesn't ask "family" questions so we have no 
way of getting lots of family information.  "Everyone" knows Harry's 
story, so noone asks him if he's got siblings; who/where his parents 
are; or where he lives, giving him the chance to ask in return.

I think the revelations about the Longbottoms, "Moody's" comments about 
him, his guilt/responsibility about Cedric, and his new awareness of 
girls will make him more aware/interested in thinking outside the Trio.  
This is, after all, only his 4th year having/being a friend.  Social 
skills come with time/practice. 
a.