Caretaking in the first year of life: the role of fathers, and mothers' social isolation

Abstract

Data are presented from a follow-up study of some 80 normal first or second born children on the extent of father participation childrearing. Though at both 30 and 60 weeks most fathers played regularly with their children, only a minority regularly undertook care-taking activities. Fathers were more participant at 60 weeks than 30 weeks especially with their daughters. No clear social class differences were found. The number of visitors to the home and excursions by mothers showed that social isolation during the day was quite widespread. Social class I and II families were less likely to have relatives in the neighbourhood and so received fewer visits and went out less often. Mothers going out without children showed less marked social class differences. Mothers of children who woke regularly at night and showed more 'difficult' behaviour went out without their children less often than the mothers of children not classified in this way.