Role of the father

• A01

  • current research shows father is less likely to become babies first primary attachment (Shaffer and emerson 3%)
  • 75% of babies formed a secondary attachment with father by 18 months
  • theres research to suggest the quality of fathers play is related to childrens attachment
  • this suggests that fathers have a different role in attachment, linked to play and stimulation rather than nurture
• A03 - conflicting

  • it is conflicting.
  • Some researchers examine fathers as a primary figure and some as secondary.
  • Meaning we cannot simply answer ‘what is the role of the father?’
  • This undermines the value and validity of any research into the fathers’ role
  • limits its generalisability to father figures as a whole.
• A03 - real world application

  • mothers feel less pressured to be at home
  • can find balance
  • more economically ideal
  • comfort mothers and reassuring advice to parents so parental anxiety is reduced
• A03 - Social bias might prevent objective observation

  • stereotypes of father = unintentional observer bias
  • observer pick up on what is expected to fit hypothesis rather than reality
  • conclusions about fathers role hard to identify and untangle from social biases