role of father

Question 1

What were the S&E stats ab mum/dad primary attachment figures

Answer 1

S&E (1960s) found that fathers were far less likely to be primary attachment figures
-mum: 65%
-dad: 3%
-mum as joint= 30%
-dad as joint= 27%

Question 2

Theories ab why father is less likely to be primary attachment figure

Answer 2

Men spend less time w child

Psychological factors:
Social factors
Biological factors

Question 3

Men spend less time w child expanded

Answer 3

During 1960s many males took on the role of working, whilst women cared for the child. This could be reflected in why more infants attached to mum

Now, more women go out to work so many children are cared for oustide the home or fathers stay at home

Research shows the amount of fathers who stay at home and care for children has quadrupled in the last 25 years

Question 4

role of father psychological factors expanded

Answer 4

Lack sensitivity

SOCIAL FACTORS
Cultural expectations
- sex stereotypes that affect male behaviour
eg: it is thought of as feminine to be sensitive to the needs of otehrs

BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
Female hormone oestrogen underlies caring behaviour, so women are genrerally more orientated towards interpersonal goals than men

BUT Frodi: showed videotapes of infants crying and found no differences in the physiological responses of men and women

Question 5

Fathers as secondary attachments

Answer 5

Research has consistently highlighted that fathers are more playful, physically active and better at providing challenging situations for their children

Geiger: a father is an exciting playmate whereas mothers are more conventional and tend to read stories to their children

White and Woollett: it may be the lack of sensitivity that fosters problem-solving by making greater communicative and cognitive demands

Question 6

Role of father AO3:

Answer 6

str: importance
lim: economic
lim: not important

Question 7

Role of father str: importance

Answer 7

If the father can be the primary attachment figure, this information should be shared in antenatal classes to ensure fathers play an equal role in childcare.

Research can be used to improve the quality of care of infants and to strengthen attachment bonds.

Question 8

Role of father lim: economic

Answer 8

Mothers will feel pressured to stay home because research says they are vital for healthy emotional development.

Still, in some families, this may not economically be the best solution.

Question 9

role of father lim: not important

Answer 9

Field found that when fathers have the main caregiver role, they adopt behaviors more typical of mothers; therefore, the key to attachment is the level of responsiveness, not the gender of the parent.

McCallum and Golombok found that children growing up in single or same-sex families didn’t develop differently from those in two-parent families – Evidence undermines the idea of fathers having distinct roles.