role of the father Flashcards
What is the typical order of attachment formation in infants?
Infants tend to form an attachment to the mother first, followed by attachments to others, with the father often being the next in line.
What did Schaffer and Emerson’s study reveal about primary caregivers during the discriminate attachment stage?
65% of infants had their mother as the primary caregiver, 30% had the mother and another caregiver, and fathers were rarely the sole primary caregiver (3%), but 27% of infants had a joint primary attachment with the mother.
What happens during the multiple attachment stage according to Schaffer and Emerson?
By around 18 months, 75% of infants had formed an attachment with their father.
How do societal norms impact the father’s role as a primary caregiver?
Societal norms and stereotypes often view caregiving as a feminine role. Men may not be expected or encouraged to take on primary caregiver responsibilities, especially in cultures that do not offer paternity leave.
How do biological factors influence the role of fathers?
Women have higher levels of estrogen, which is linked to caregiving behaviors. Men, with lower levels of estrogen, may find it harder to take on caregiving roles. Oxytocin, which promotes bonding, is higher in women, especially after childbirth and during breastfeeding.
What does Geiger’s research suggest about the father’s role?
Geiger found that fathers tend to engage in more exciting and playful interactions with their infants, whereas mothers’ interactions are typically more affectionate.
What did Field’s research suggest about the role of fathers as primary caregivers?
Field found that primary caregiver fathers engaged in more reciprocal interactions, such as smiling and synchrony, than secondary caregiver fathers, suggesting that being a primary caregiver is more about the quality of the relationship than the parent’s gender.
What does Gordon’s study reveal about fathers’ biological capacity to care?
Gordon found that fathers’ oxytocin levels after interacting with their child were similar to those of mothers, suggesting that fathers can have biological responses that support caregiving and nurturing behaviors.
How does culture influence the role of the father in attachment?
In many cultures, multiple caregivers are the norm, leading to multiple attachments from an earlier age. This may make the role of the father less distinct and culturally specific.
Why is research on the father’s role in attachment socially sensitive?
Research suggesting that mothers are more important in attachment could be based on traditional gender roles or biological predispositions. This can perpetuate societal views that mothers should be primary caregivers, influencing policies about women returning to work or stigmatising fathers in caregiving roles.
What are the economic implications of fathers taking on more caregiving responsibilities?
If more fathers take on caregiving roles, it could lead to more mothers returning to work, contributing to the economy, but may reduce the father’s economic contribution. Changes in paternity leave policies may also affect employers and government-funded programs.
What does Bowlby’s research suggest about fathers’ roles?
Bowlby suggested that fathers’ roles are primarily economic, supporting the family financially, while mothers are more likely to provide emotional caregiving, which may influence societal expectations and economic policies.
