Role of the father

Question 1

Outline research into the role of the father

Answer 1

• Typically second attachment figure (75% infants form attachment with father by 18 months)
• Due to biological factors (less oestrogen, less nurturing) and social factors (typically breadwinner), they are less likely to be primary attachment figure
• Research shows that they provide different role than mother
• More playful and physically active interactions (exciting playmate)
• Fathers are important in preventing the child from delinquency and performing worse in school

Question 2

Outline one limitation of research into role of the father

Answer 2

• Contradictory evidence
• Researchers initially stated fathers less likely to take nurturing role due to biological factors
• Single fathers can develop more nurturing capabilities and sensitivity based on child’s needs
• Opposes idea of women only having nurturing ability
• Questions credibility of research into the role of the father

Question 3

Outline one strength of research into role of the father

Answer 3

• Received supporting evidence
• Researchers conducted observations with children
• Children preferred interacting with fathers in emotionally positive state and preferred interacting with mothers in distressed state
• Supports idea of fathers as playmates
• Adds credibility to research into role of father

Question 4

Outline the final strength of research into role of the father

Answer 4

• Positive applications
• Research highlighting importance of father led to paternity leave
• Allowed mothers to feel more comfortable returning to work and fathers stay home to look after children
• Helped better support families (Fathers help with new born infants during paternity leave, Helped reduce gender pay gap encouraging more women to work)
• Adds credibility to research into role of father

Question 5

Outline the final limitation of research into role of the father

Answer 5

• Research into effects of absent fathers on children’s developmental outcomes is that there are confounding variables
• Studies focused on single mothers from poor socio-economic backgrounds
• Limitation because social factors related to poverty produce these negative outcomes (not absent fathers)
• Questions credibility of research into role of father