Child caretaking and the role of the female family partner

Synopsis

This article studies the changing role of the female partner within the modern Australian family. It examines the forces pressing on the family and the adaptations which the female partner needs to make, in the light of the premise that the child needs a secure mother–child relationship in order for positive developmental steps to be made. An observation schedule of a young primiparous female partner is given. This illustrates the complexity of role and sub–role changes which are necessary for the female to be effective as a person and a partner. The role of surrogate child caretaker is discussed also, in the light of the advantages the child will have in adjusting and accommodating to change in modern society.