About Me
William Marsiglio, Ph.D.--
I’m a professor of sociology at the University of Florida and the father of two sons, Scott, age 39, and Phoenix, age 8. In my academic life I study different aspects of men’s involvement in children’s lives, either as fathers or youth workers in the community (e.g., pediatricians, coaches, teachers, youth ministers, Big Brothers, Boy Scout leaders, Boys & Girls Club staff, child psychologists). I have published eight books and over 60 articles and chapters, most of which focus on fathering.
I’m a professor of sociology at the University of Florida and the father of two sons, Scott, age 39, and Phoenix, age 8. In my academic life I study different aspects of men’s involvement in children’s lives, either as fathers or youth workers in the community (e.g., pediatricians, coaches, teachers, youth ministers, Big Brothers, Boy Scout leaders, Boys & Girls Club staff, child psychologists). I have published eight books and over 60 articles and chapters, most of which focus on fathering.
In my current project, I interview dads and pediatric health care professionals across the nation to get a better understanding of the relationship between fathers’ and children’s health and fitness.
I challenge dads to become more health-conscious in how they live and raise their children. In addition, I outline how schools, religious organizations, the business community, medical facilities, and other organizations can encourage dads with either healthy children or those with special needs to make a positive imprint on their health, fitness, and well-being.
I challenge dads to become more health-conscious in how they live and raise their children. In addition, I outline how schools, religious organizations, the business community, medical facilities, and other organizations can encourage dads with either healthy children or those with special needs to make a positive imprint on their health, fitness, and well-being.
My curiosity about the overlap between fathering, health, and fitness is not simply an academic pursuit—I’m passionate about these issues in my everyday life as a father. The root of that passion, as I explain more fully in the book I’m writing, stems from seeing how my grandfather and father were remiss in taking care of themselves. For various reasons, they avoided doctors, drank too much, and neglected to exercise. When I’ve anticipated my different stages of life, I’ve tried to be far more health conscious and physically fit than they were.
In 2007, when I had my second child, this time at age 49, I recommitted myself to a healthy lifestyle because I knew my decisions about diet, exercise, sun screen use, safe cycling routes, and more would affect not only myself, but Phoenix as well. Unlike my dad, I’ve been much more actively involved in supporting Phoenix’s participation in physical activities including organized and informal sports. As his dad and coach, I’ve been by his side as he’s explored soccer, basketball, tennis, mountain biking, swimming, flag football, and triathlons. I’ve also gained valuable personal and professional insights about fathering, health, and fitness by immersing myself into the entertaining subculture of youth sports the past several years as a dad and coach.
More information about Dr. Marsiglio may be found here.