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

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[quote=Anonymous][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.

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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]

Biologist here. 
You are confused.

The article does not cite the studies correctly and only cites those that support the initial bias of the piece. This is the epitome of bad writing. There are many more primary research studies (not vulgarizations for the general public) showing how mothers are wired to protect their offspring than the opposite.

The controversy lies in the inevitable guilt and shame that humans pile on other humans for behaving in ways that society does not expect. That's a different topic, OP, and is explained by the ancient need of pack animals to all behave in the same, easily-understandable way, so as to maximize survival in a hostile environment. Most behaviors exist on a spectrum, and there will be outliers at each extreme. Mothers who fail to exhibit motherly traits are excoriated, and judgement on fathers largely depends on whether their circle is socially progressive or conservative. My Japanese father made cute bento lunches throughout my childhood, cleaned the house, sewed curtains and made my theater costumes, but did he outwardly show this in his very patriarchal, conservative environment? Of course not. Most people attempt to conform to what their community expects.

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DP. I shed a tear of joy at this response. Perfect.[/quote]

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