ROTF- CONTENT

• KEY POINT:

  • “Father” - not always biological, main male caregiver
• Traditionally:

  • Father = the provider / breadwinner 
  • Baby’s secondary attachment
  • Minor role in child rearing 

  *THESE ARE ALL REINFORCED BY LAW / LEGISLATION- CUSTODY AND MATERNITY LEAVE*
• Over last 50 years:

  • More active role - present at birth, feeding, nappy changing
• CAN BABIES ATTACH TO THEIR FATHERS?

  • SCHAFFER & EMERSON’S RESEARCH
  • At 7 MONTHS, the infants PRIMARY ATTACHMENT was 3% to the FATHER, 27% to the MOTHER
  • Argument that the MOTHER forms the attachment EARLIER ON than the FATHER, the father may still be able to ATTACH
• Explain the economical implications of research into the role of the father in attachment (4)

  • May be positive- father can stay at home and be primary caregivers - changing legislation regarding maternity / paternity leave
  • Equal roles- gender pay gap
  • Switching roles- father at home, mother at work