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Love is the standard issue—only the objects change
ELVIN SEMRAD
MANY OF THE RECENT ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE SCIENtific neglect of the father-infant relationship are plagued by the nagging déjà vu of old questions inviting, yet evading, new study. Still, increasing numbers of reports in the literature by serious analytic thinkers (Cath et al., 1982) and careful researchers (Lamb, 1976), (1981); (McKee and O'Brien, 1982); (Parke, 1979); (Parke and Sawin, 1980); (Pedersen et al., 1980) struggle with the meaning and nature of contemporary paternity. And why now? Surely the extensive use of birth control in the present century has been a compelling factor in the father's (re)emergence, as the choice to become a parent could now be consciously controlled by both parents. In addition, the ongoing turmoil within the nuclear family; the increasing access to the work force enjoyed by, if not forced upon, women; the slow but progressive softening of sexual stereotypes—all have invited, indeed compelled, the father of the young child, and those who study them, to reexamine his role as nurturing parent in his own right.
A group of special interest consists of fathers who not merely