THE ROLE OF THE FATHER

Question 1

the role of the father

Answer 1

• The role of the father (ROF) in child rearing has changed significantly.
• Some argue that men are not
  equipped to form an-attachment, that biological evidence suggests that the hormone oestrogen underlies
  nurturing behaviour in women and the lack of oestrogen in men is why they are unable to form a close-attachment.
• Other researchers argue that fathers are playmates rather than caregivers.

Question 2

grossman argues

Answer 2

• that the quality of mother-infant attachment was related to attachment in adolescents (as they grow up into puberty) but not the father’s- suggesting the role of the father is less important.
• However, the quality of the father’s play with the infant was related to attachment in adolescents.

Question 3

More recent views argue that
fathers can demonstrate sensitive responsiveness and can form a strong emotional bond with their children.

Answer 3

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Question 4

Lamb’s

Answer 4

• division of children suggests attachment has less to do with gender and more to do with social expectations

Question 5

One strength of research into the ROF is that there is research evidence that provides support for the role of the father as a playmate.

Answer 5

• For example, Geiger found that fathers’ play interactions were more-exciting in comparison to mothers, and the mothers’ play interactions were more affectionate/nurturing.
• This suggests that men are more suited to take on the role as a playmate rather than caregiver.
• advantage as it increases validity of the theory

Question 6

Similarly, there is research evidence supporting the argument that men are not equipped to form
nurturing attachments.

Answer 6

• For example, Hardy found that fathers were less able to detect low levels of infant distress compared to mothers.
• This suggests that women are more naturally equipped to form attachments due to the levels of oestrogen which is associated with nurturing behaviour.
• Furthermore, evidence shows that women are more likely to wake up to the sound of a high pitched noise
  compared to men. Showing that even scientific evidence suggests that women are more fit to be the
  primary caregiver.
• This is an advantage because it supports the theory and allows us to better understand the role of the father.
• However, research also found higher oxytocin levels in males after the birth of their first child.
• This suggests that societal norms are a contributing factor for why men aren’t given the opportunity to be the primary caregiver in most cases

Question 7

Research into the role of the father has important economic implications.

Answer 7

• Mothers may feel pressure to-stay at home as research said that mothers are vital for healthy emotional developments in their children.
• However, Field’s study demonstrates that fathers are able to adopt behaviours typically for the mothers when given the role as the primary caregiver.
• This suggests that men are also equipped to stay at home and be the primary caregivers.
• This is an advantage as it means whoever earns more to go back to work as there is more money being spent in the economy.
• Furthermore this enables women to have financial independence and reduces stigma (on stay at home fathers and working mothers).