This reading refutes the argument that work caused men in a world that was increasingly industrializing caused men to choose to pick work over their role in domesticity. Instead, this reading claims that the domestic sphere did not shift completely over to women and instead men while having to be more separated because of work still put great effort into being present in their kids' lives. Additionally, another motivation for these fathers going to great lengths in order to interact with their children which the reading asserts is that these men did not want to give up the power they had in the household. (Henry Prior)

In the reading, it is claimed that men's relationship with work changed during the nineteenth century to being seen as something to do more of in order to fulfill their purpose and ennoble themselves. The reading demonstrates also that there was a religious aspect to this attitude as well due to its of reduction of idleness and dissipation. This increased emphasis on work and doing more of it demonstrates the origins of modern work culture which sees the person doing the most work as a honorable worker. (Henry Prior)