*The Role Of The Father Flashcards
What is the definition of a father in attachment research?
Anyone who takes on the role of the main male caregiver
This can include non-biological fathers.
What does heteronormativity refer to in the context of parenting research?
Research focuses on households with two different gendered parents
This does not mean that same-sex couples and single parents are not effective parents.
How has society’s view on gender roles changed recently?
Society is constantly changing, with significant shifts due to factors like COVID-19
Views on gender and gender roles are evolving.
What was the traditional focus of research regarding parenting?
Research used to focus on the mother
Fathers’ roles were considered unimportant in terms of their relationship with the baby.
Why do babies usually attach to their mothers first?
Mothers provide emotional support, warmth, safety, comfort, food, and survival
This support is especially necessary in the early stages.
List the stereotypical roles of fathers.
- Work full time
- Usually a manual job
- Discipline the children
- DIY jobs (fixing)
- Pay the bills
What is the attachment rate of babies to fathers according to Schaffer and Emerson (1964)?
Babies attach primarily to fathers 3% of the time and jointly to fathers and mothers 27% of the time
75% of babies formed strong attachments to fathers by 18 months.
What were the research aims of Grossmann et al (2002)?
- Investigate if attachments to fathers are important
- Determine if the attachment is different from mothers
What did Grossmann et al (2002) find about the quality of fathers’ play?
The quality of fathers’ play was related to later attachments with others
This suggests fathers contribute uniquely to child development.
How can fathers act as primary attachment figures?
Fathers can adopt the emotional role of a mother in the absence of a mother
This includes behaviors like smiling, imitating, and holding the baby.
What limitations exist in the research on fathers’ roles?
- Confusion about the role of a father
- Variability in findings based on methodology
- Different roles in single-mother families and lesbian parent families
What strengths are noted in the research regarding fathers?
- Fathers may have their own role in two-parent relationships
- Single mothers and lesbian parents adapt to include the father’s role
- Research can provide practical advice for various family structures
Fill in the blank: A father’s role in child development is often linked to _______.
[play and stimulation]
True or False: Children in single-mother families develop differently than those with two parents.
False
Research suggests children in single-parent and lesbian families do not develop differently.
