Bowlbys Monotropic Theory AO3

Question 1

✅ How did Bowlby’s theory positively impact social and legal perspectives on parenting?

Answer 1

Before Bowlby, mothers were not seen as essential for child development, but his theory emphasized the importance of mother-child bonds, influencing legal decisions to favor maternal custody in divorce cases.

Question 2

✅How does Brazelton et al. (1975) support the concept of social releasers?

Answer 2

Brazelton et al. found that when parents ignored infants’ social releasers (e.g., smiling, crying), the infants showed distress and eventually became motionless. This demonstrates that social releasers are essential for triggering caregiver resp

Question 3

❌ Why is Bowlby’s theory considered socially sensitive?

Answer 3

The theory implies that substantial separation from the primary caregiver (usually the mother) leads to poor-quality attachment, placing pressure on mothers and suggesting they are to blame for any negative outcomes in the child’s life (Burman, 1994).

Question 4

❌ How does the temperament hypothesis challenge Bowlby’s theory?

Answer 4

Temperament researchers argue that infants’ genetic traits (e.g., being naturally sociable or anxious) influence social behavior more than attachment experiences. This suggests that Bowlby may have overemphasized the role of early attachment.