Psychodynamic Debate: MD Flashcards
INTRO OF DEBATE
-Traditionally, mothers were seen as the PCG of an infant due to many factors – biological and societal
-As society has changed, equality and opportunity for all is important
This change raises questions such as:
-Is the mother the best person for the role of PCG?
-Could this role hold women back from progressing in society?
POINT 1/3 influence on future relationships| FOR |outline
Bowlby’s concept of monotropy suggests that the mother-child bond during the critical period creates an internal working model (IWM), which serves as a blueprint for future relationships.
POINT 1/3 influence on future relationships | FOR | example
Bailey et al. (2007) studied 99 mothers, finding that poor attachment with their parents was associated with poor attachment with their children.
POINT 1/3 influence on future relationships|FOR | ethical implication
ETHICAL: Bowlby’s theory may make mothers feel guilty for returning to work, believing this could harm their child’s future relationships, potentially impacting maternal mental health.
POINT 1/3 influence on future relationships| FOR | link
Highlights the mother’s centrality in the child’s relational development, supporting the argument for her role as the primary caregiver.
POINT 1/3 influence on future relationships| AGAINST | outline
Not all research supports the concept of IWM, suggesting the mother-child bond is not the sole determinant of future relationships.
POINT 1/3 influence on future relationships| AGAINST | example
Zimmerman (2000) found little correlation between early attachment and adolescent relationships.
POINT 1/3 influence on future relationships| AGAINST | ethical implication
(ETHICAL) This finding could alleviate pressure on mothers to stay at home, reducing guilt and promoting gender equality in caregiving roles.
POINT 1/3 influence on future relationships| AGAINST | link
Challenges Bowlby’s emphasis on the mother as the sole key figure in attachment formation.
POINT 1 MINI CONCLUSION
There is evidence supporting and challenging the claim that the mother must be the primary caregiver to influence future relationships. Bowlby’s concept of monotropy and research such as Bailey et al. (2007) provide compelling support, but studies like Zimmerman (2000) suggest other factors play a more significant role.
Ultimately, while the mother-child bond is important, the evidence does not conclusively establish it as uniquely vital for future relationship success.
Therefore, I believe that the role of the mother as the primary caregiver should not be overstated.
POINT 2/3 feeding| FOR | outline
Breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months due to its health benefits and the emotional bond formed during feeding, reinforcing the mother’s role.
POINT 2/3 feeding| FOR | example
The NHS highlights that breastfeeding releases oxytocin, strengthening the emotional bond between mother and baby.
POINT 2/3 feeding| FOR |social implication
(SOCIAL) Encouraging breastfeeding can create stigma for mothers who struggle to breastfeed, especially in public settings, potentially isolating them socially.
POINT 2/3 feeding| FOR | link
Aligns with Bowlby’s idea that emotional closeness during feeding supports the mother as the primary caregiver.
POINT 2/3 feeding| AGAINST | outline
Feeding alone is insufficient for attachment; emotional interaction matters more.