AO3 - Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

• The need for monotropic bonds is seen to be universal.
• Ainsworth (1967) observed the Ganda tribe of Uganda, here infants form one primary attachment even when reared by multiple carers.
• Fox (1977) conducted research into Israeli communal farms has revealed child-rearing practices that are quite distinct from conventional Western ones.
• Fox (1977) observed infants still forming monotropic bonds with their mothers despite not seeing them for extended periods of time.
• The importance of monotropy is overemphasised.
• Thomas (1998) questions the benefits of monotropy & suggests it may be more beneficial having a network of attachments to support infants & their social/ emotional needs.
• Parke (1981) found that qualitatively different attachments provide different benefits.
• Van IJzendoorn & Tavecchio (1987) argue that a stable network of adults can provide adequate or better care than a mother who has to meet all a child’s needs.
• The idea of monotropy lacks validity.
• Schaffer & Emerson (1964) suggest that although the first attachment is strong, they are not necessarily any stronger than subsequent attachments.
• There must be more factors, other than monotropy that are responsible for strong attachments.