Role Of The Father

Question 1

Mothers most likely to be primary caregiver - Schaffer and Emerson (1964):

Answer 1

• found that mothers are usually the primary attachments but 75% of studied infants formed an attachments with father by 18 months (indicated by protest when father left the room)

Question 2

Fathers less important in the long-term:

Answer 2

• grossman’s longitudinal study found that the quality of attachment for the father was less important in adolescence, compared to quality of mother relationship. But gross man found that quality of play was related to quality of adolescent attachments.
• fathers are best for play and stimulation rather than emotional care.

Question 3

Father can be the primary caregiver:

Answer 3

If they adopt behaviours typical of a mother. Field filmed response when fathers were the primary caregiver (single parent), they spent more time smiling, imitating and holding babies, than secondary caregivers. Links to Isabella et al, interactional synchrony.

Question 4

Ao3 evaluation strengths:

Answer 4

• economic implications: If fathers can be the primary caregiver this means that mothers can go back to work (especially if they are the breadwinner).
• findings may not be in conflict as there may be a distinct role for the father but families can adapt to not having one.

Question 5

Ao3 evaluation weaknesses:

Answer 5

• conflicting evidence: Grossman stated fathers are vital for play and stimulation BUT McCallum found that children without a father do not develop any differently. = This implies that it is actually unknown whether there is a distinctive role for the father.
• some researches look at the father as the primary caregiver and some see him as the secondary caregiver.