While some might assume increasing numbers of fathers are home with their kids because of the recession.  But according to the results of a new study by Boston College, the rise may be due more to choices and evolving gender roles of parents.

"The hype around stay-at-home dads is due to the 'man-cession' but the census data shows that during the economic downturn the numbers were down," Brad Harrington, research professor and executive director of Boston College's Center for Work and Family, told FoxNews.com. He cited a recent study done by the center called, "The New Dad: Right at Home."

"We found a distinction from dads who were laid-off and those who chose to leave their jobs," he said to FoxNews.com.

"The New Dad" study concluded stay-at-home dads are most often forged in a mutual decision by spouses with pragmatic and economic reasons.

And in addition to factors such as maximizing household income and avoiding day care, more fathers than ever before simply relish the idea of a greater role in the raising of their children.