Research about the role of the father AO3

• What is a challenge in drawing conclusions about the role of the father in parenting?

  Some research categorizes fathers as primary or secondary caregivers, making conclusions difficult.
• Why might older research on fathers lack validity?

  Older research may lack temporal validity due to changing societal norms and roles.
• How have the roles of couples and single fathers changed over time?

  Couples and single fathers are far more involved in parenting than they used to be.
• What did Golombok find in 2004 regarding children from different family types?


  Children from same-sex and single-parent families do not develop any differently than those living with a father and mother.
• What implication does the research on parental roles have on the gender pay gap?

  If parental roles are more equal, it might reflect in the reduction of the gender pay gap.
• How does this research criticize Bowlby's view on fathers?

  This research criticizes Bowlby's outdated view that the father should provide an economic function rather than an emotional one.
• What effect might equal parental roles have on mothers and fathers?

  Mothers may feel less guilty about working, and fathers may feel more confident to stay at home.
• What are the implications of changing parental roles in families?

  • Increased involvement of fathers and single parents
  • No significant developmental differences in children from various family types
  • Potential reduction in the gender pay gap
  • Critique of traditional views on parental roles
  • Less guilt for working mothers and more confidence for stay-at-home fathers