monotropy

• According to Bowlby’s theory, there is a critical period within which an infant can develop attachments. After this period, the infant will have difficulty forming attachments at all.
• For most infants, this critical period is 12 months after birth. Although some infants may develop attachments after this time, Bowlby believed all infants must develop attachments within 3 years. According to Bowlby’s maternal deprivation hypothesis, forming an attachment to the mother in this critical period is essential for healthy psychological development.
• • Conflicting evidence: In contrast to Bowlby, Schaffer’s stages of attachment show that most babies develop multiple attachments after 10 months, rather than just the one monotropic attachment proposed by Bowlby. Further, Rutter’s Romanian orphan studies suggest that infants can form attachments even after the critical period proposed by monotropic theory.
• • Stereotypical: Bowlby’s monotropic theory supports the sex-role stereotype that women should stay home looking after children. However, some research suggests that fathers can fulfil this role instead.