Multiple attachments and the role of the father

Question 1

What was Hrdy’s research into the role of the father?

Answer 1

Fathers less able than mothers to detect low levels of infant distress, suggesting that males are less suitable as primary caregivers.

Question 2

What was Lamb’s research into the role of the father?

Answer 2

Lamb found that fathers who became primary caregivers quickly develop more sensitivity to children’s needs.

Question 3

What was Frodi’s research into the role of the father?

Answer 3

Videotapes of infants crying found no differences in physiological responses of men and women, suggesting that biological factors may not explain the gender differences.

Question 4

What was Geiger’s research into the role of the father?

Answer 4

Father play interactions are more exciting and pleasurable, supporting the idea of fathers being playmates rather than caregivers.

Question 5

Is there research to support the role of the father?

Answer 5

Fathers play a complementary role to mothers - Geiger’s research as fathers being playmates.

Question 6

Is research into the role of the father socially sensitive?

Answer 6

Geiger’s research suggests you must have a mother and a father; Must not offend alternative family set ups. Working parents cannot be with their children all the time.

Question 7

Does research into the role of the father have practical applications?

Answer 7

Parental leave has been available to both parents since 2015 - they share 50 weeks leave between them. Paternity leave has been available to fathers since 2002.

Question 8

Is the research into the role of the fathers ethnocentric?

Answer 8

Takes place in individualistic cultures with stereotypical gender roles. Geiger’s research may not be applicable to other cultures.