AO3 rot

• Role of the Father: Fathers not Good as Primary Attachment

  There are various factors which have been studied that indicate that fathers are not good as primary attachment. Fathers do not produce oxytocin which mothers do, which triggers nurturing behaviour that makes women biologically predisposed to being the primary attachment figure. Fathers are less likely to be good at the nurturing role as mothers are and therefore cannot form as intense attachments. Fathers also tend to be less-responsive to cues and distress signals, as found by Hrdy (distress levels) and Heerman (cues)
• Role of the Father: Infants prefer Mothers to Fathers

  Schaffer and Emerson's study showed that most babies become attached to their mothers first rather than their fathers. However, this study is outdated from over 50 years when traditional gender roles meant that women looked after children while men were at work or war. This may explain why babies tend to attach to mothers first.
• Role of the Father: Fathers are better suited as secondary attachment

  Geiger found that as infants grow older, fathers play interaction becomes more exciting compared to their mothers. Lamb found that children prefer their fathers when happy and want to play, but prefer mothers when upset. The role of the father is still crucial as the absence of a father can have negative affects such as anti-social behaviour and low IQ. Fathers also offer support to mothers which allows them to get away from childcare which will ultimately benefit their relationship with their children.
• Role of the Father: Evaluation Points

  • Economic implications
  • Fathers not good as primary attachment
  • Infants prefer mothers
  • Fathers better as secondary
• Role of the Father: Economic Implications

  With the role of the father changing from how it was then to how it is now, they are now allowed paternity leave and tend to stay at home more meaning that they contribute less to the economy. Paternity leave is a legal requirement of 2 weeks minimum and is government funded. However, more mothers are returning to work and therefore contributing more to the economy.