Role of the father

• What traditional role have fathers played in parenting?


  Fathers have traditionally played a minor role in parenting.
• How were children traditionally raised in families?

  Children were mainly raised by married couples, with fathers working and mothers caring for children.
• What has changed in society regarding mothers' roles?


  It is now the norm for mothers to have a job.
• What did Geiger (1996) find about fathers' play interactions?


  Fathers' play interactions are more exciting and pleasurable than mothers'.
• According to Geiger (1996), what role do fathers primarily fulfill?


  Fathers primarily fulfill the role of playmates rather than caregivers.
• What did Hrdy (1999) report about fathers' ability to detect infant distress?


  Fathers are less able than mothers to detect low levels of infant distress.
• What does Hrdy's (1999) finding suggest about fathers as primary attachment figures?


  It suggests that fathers are less suitable as primary attachment figures.
• What did Lamb (1987) find about fathers who become main caregivers?


  Fathers who become main caregivers can quickly develop sensitivity to children's needs.
• What does Lamb's (1987) finding suggest about sensitive responsiveness?


  It suggests that sensitive responsiveness is not limited to women; fathers can develop it too.
• How can fathers help prevent negative developmental outcomes in children?


  Fathers can help prevent negative outcomes by being present and involved in their children's lives.
• What are some negative outcomes for children who grow up without fathers?


  Children often do less well in school and exhibit higher levels of risk-taking and aggressive behavior.
• What did Pederson (1979) point out about studies on developmental outcomes?


  Most studies have focused on single mothers from poor socio-economic backgrounds.
• What does Pederson (1979) suggest about the outcomes observed in children?


  The outcomes may be due to social factors related to poverty rather than absent fathers.
• What do some studies show about fathers as secondary attachment figures?


  Some studies show that fathers as secondary attachment figures play an important role in development.
• What have other studies found about children in single or same-sex parent families?


  Children in these families do not develop any differently from those in two-parent heterosexual families.
• What does the inconsistency in findings about fathers' roles suggest?


  It suggests that the father's role as a secondary attachment figure may not be important.
• Why is the topic of fathers' roles in parenting considered socially sensitive?


  Because it challenges traditional views and can affect perceptions of family structures.