Reply to Maternal Instinct Isn’t Real, But the Myth Makes Parenting Harder

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]
As a biologist, I would need to see a non-biased, scientific study, instead of this Fatherly fluff piece that merely highlights some people’s opinions. There are decades of research across animal species, including humans, that show how most adult females have much stronger tendencies to care for young.

I understand society has a strong incentive to persuade males that they need to raise kids too, for the benefit of the group, but you have to realize that Homo Sapiens has already made incredible strides in that direction in recent centuries. The trend will probably continue.

[/quote]

OP here, did you read the whole article?  I agree it’s a little fluffy with lots of anecdotes and quotes from experts, but it also cites several research studies that show that many women have trouble bonding with their infants.

I see that many PPs are responding with their own anecdotes which they feel support the existence of “maternal instinct.”  Nonetheless, I think the point of the article is many women don’t feel this, much of it is a social construction, and relying on this notion of maternal instinct is associated with a lot of ill effects.  This includes shaming/silencing of those who do have trouble feeling bonded, and a belief that women ought to be fulfilled by their parenting roles alone, not to mention implications for the involvement of fathers, adoptive mothers, two-dad families, etc.[/quote]

bonding isn't maternal instinct[/quote]

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