The role of the father

• Schaffer & Emerson found that fathers were far less likely than mothers to be the primary attachment figure, however this could be due to the time period study conducted in (fathers @ work & mothers @ home).
• Evidence that fathers less likely to be primary attachment figure has precipitated on longstanding bias towards mothers as primary caregivers, often to the detriment of the paternal relationship the child has- eg fathers are given less opportunities to bond with their children or were encouraged to maintain emotional distance.
• Theory 1:

  • Fathers less able to provide emotional care than mothers; there may be biological factors whereby hormonal differences make women more focused on care-giving & therefore more sensitive to an infant's needs (Oxytocin).
  • Hrdy (1999) found that fathers were less able to detect low level distress in their infants than mothers were.
  • This supports differences on a biological basis for attachments.
• Theory 2:

  • Fathers offer something different but equally important to others; fathers play a vital role as playmate, encouraging exploration, independence & risk taking behaviours that foster development.
  • Grossman (2002) found that fathers had an important and distinct role involving play & stimulation for their child's development.
  • Supports the notion of fathers being a playmate & their role being complementary to mothers.
• Theory 3:

  • Fathers are just as good as mothers in providing emotional care- fathers are equal to mothers and can develop secure attachments with their offspring that foster development.
  • Belsky et al (2009) found that fathers are able to form secure attachments with their children, but this was more likely if in the context of a stable marriage.
• Evaluation- strength:

  • The findings on multiple attachment has had repercussions for child-rearing practices. Up until this point, many people believed that it was only the mother who could bond with her child & childcare (eg in orphanages) focused on physical care like feeding rather than emotional care.
  • These practices were changed to provide children with emotionally warm secondary caregivers. The use of findings for a positive influence demonstrates their credibility & validity.
• Evaluation- weakness:

  • There's evidence to suggest that the role of the father is not significant. Golombok (2004) found no difference in the development of children with same- sex versus heterosexual partners.
  • Whilst secondary attachments may be very important, it does not have to be the father.