role of the father

• Role of the Father – Key Points

  • Fathers are typically the secondary attachment figure (75% form attachment by 18 months).
  • Less likely to be the primary attachment figure due to:
  • 🔹 Biological factors – Lower oestrogen, less nurturing.
  • 🔹 Social factors – Traditional breadwinner role, less bonding time.
  • Fathers provide a different role to mothers:
  • Exciting playmate – More playful, physically challenging interactions.
  • Important for child outcomes:
  • Absent fathers linked to poorer school performance & increased delinquency.
• Why is contradictory evidence a limitation of research into the role of the father?

  🔴 Contradictory evidence

  • Initially, fathers were thought to be less nurturing due to lower oestrogen.
  • However, fathers who become primary caregivers (e.g., single parents) develop sensitivity.
  • Contradicts the idea that nurturing is biologically limited to women, questioning credibility.
• What supporting evidence strengthens research into the role of the father?

  🟢 Supporting evidence

  • Observations showed children prefer fathers when happy but mothers when distressed.
  • Supports the idea that fathers act as exciting playmates while mothers provide comfort.
  • Adds credibility to the distinct role of fathers.
• How has research into the role of the father led to positive applications?

  🟢 Positive applications

  • Research led to paternity leave and recognition of fathers' importance.
  • Helped mothers feel more comfortable returning to work.
  • Supports families and reduces the gender pay gap, adding appropriateness.
• Why are confounding variables a limitation in research on absent fathers?

  🔴 Confounding variables

  • Many studies focus on single mothers from low-income backgrounds.
  • Poverty, not absent fathers, may cause negative outcomes (e.g., poor school performance).
  • Questions credibility of conclusions about absent fathers.