Role of the father

• (AO1) Traditionally, how was the role of the father limited? Has it changed?

  Whilst traditionally/historically, the role of the father may have been limited, as fathers were seen as purely economic and unimportant for attachment, going to work to provide resources whilst the mothers stayed at home and took care of the children.

  
  

  In recent times, the role of the father has significantly changed.
• (AO1) How do psychologists disagree over the exact role of the father? (Hormone)

  Some claim that men are not equipped to form a close attachment = due to biological evidence which suggests that the hormone oestrogen underlies caring behaviour in women, lack of it in men.
• (AO1) How do psychologists disagree over the exact role of the father? (Playmate)

  Other researchers argue that fathers do not take on a caregiver role and in fact provide a different role: as a playmate
• (AO1) How do psychologists dissgree over the exact role of the father? (CAN - sensitive responsiveness)

  Others argue that fathers can demonstrate sensitive responsiveness = forming strong emotional bond.
• (AO1) Define sensitive responsiveness

  The adult caregiver correctly interprets the meaning of the infant's communication and is motivated to respond appropriately. E.g. providing milk/changing nappy when infant shows distress.
• (AO3) Give a strength of role of father (playmate)

  Point: Support for (playmate) rather than PCG / comforter

  
  

  Evidence: One researcher found that a father's play interactions were more exciting/playful in comparison to a mother's. However, the mother's play interactions were more affectionate/nurturing, releasing oxytocin when holding their children. Highlights difference in caregiving styles.

  
  

  Evaluate: However, could be viewed as reductionist, solely focuses on biological processes, overlooking wider social/emotional factors that may influence fathers' roles in father-infant caregiving.
• (AO3) Give a discussion of role of father (bio)

  Point: Research evidence suggests that fathers are less equipped than mothers to provide sensitive / nurturing attachment.

  
  

  Evidence: Research found that fathers were less able to detect low levels of infant distress, in comparison to mothers. Results support biological explanation = lack of oestrogen in men = fathers not equipped innately to form close attachments.

  
  

  Evaluate: Suggests role of father is biologically determined - limits ability to form nurturing bond as cant detect subtle signs of stress in child due to bio makeup.
• (AO3) Give a discussion of role of father (can - depends on relationship w/ mom)

  Point: Research suggests that fathers can from secure attachments with children if they are in an intimate marriage.

  
  

  Evidence: One researcher found that males who reported high levels of marital intimacy also displayed a secure father-infant attachment, whereas males with lower levels displayed opposite.

  
  

  Evaluate: Suggests that males can form secure attachments with children but the strength depends on the father and mother relationship.
• (AO3) Give counter to (can-depends on relationship w/ mom)

  P: Research is social sensitivity, as it focuses only on fathers within marriages.

  
  

  E: Fails to consider households where fathers are parenting alone, not in a marriage, where the dynamics of attachment may differ.

  
  

  E: Other research suggests that men are capable of forming secure attachments with their children, regardless of their relationship status, challenging the idea that marital intimacy is the sole factor influencing father-infant attachment.