role of the father

• what is the recent expectation in Western cultures for fathers?


  should play greater role in bringing up children
• recent changes


  -number of mothers working full time increased

  -fathers having more active roles
• mother & father typical differences

  -mothers usually adopt a more caregiving & nurturing role + fathers more play-mate role

  -fathers more likely to encourage risk taking by engaging in physical games
• who do most infants prefer contact with?

  father
• who do infants prefer when distressed and need comforting?

  mother