Role of the father Flashcards
1
Q
Outline research into the role of the father
A
- 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
2
Q
Outline one limitation of research into role of the father
A
- 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
3
Q
Outline one strength of research into role of the father
A
- 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
4
Q
Outline the final strength of research into role of the father
A
- 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
5
Q
Outline the final limitation of research into role of the father
A
- 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