Conceptualizing the Paternal Function: Maleness, Masculinity, or Thirdness?

Abstract

In the context of changing constructions of gender and family structure, this article addresses two related aims. First, it aims to develop a focused and comprehensive understanding of what is termed the “paternal function” as understood within object relations theory. Second, it offers a critique of existing theory, arguing that the literature reflects some conflation between function and functionary, or between maleness and/or masculinity and the performance of this function or set of functions. Although the term “paternal function” is frequently employed in the psychoanalytic literature, a common understanding of what it constitutes cannot be assumed. The construct appears to encompass several different dimensions, four of which are explored in the article. The authors contend that paternal function should be understood as distinct from the role of the father in the life of the infant. This opens a space to consider alternative sources of parental functioning and the related importance of the position of third persons or objects in infant development. It is argued that critical engagement with the construct of the paternal function not only has relevance for rethinking developmental theory and child-rearing practices, but that it may also prove potentially valuable to case formulations and understanding interactional dynamics within the therapeutic relationship.

Keywords:

• paternal function
• father
• masculinity
• triangulation
• thirdness
• pre-Oedipal development

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nick Davies

Nick Davies is a registered clinical psychologist, in private practice. His clinical interest is individual adult psychotherapy. He is currently reading for a Ph.D. in psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, where his primary research interest is in the area of gender and masculinity studies, particularly with reference to developmental theory and clinical practice.

Gill Eagle

Gillian Eagle, Ph.D., is a registered clinical psychologist. She is currently professor in the School of Human and Community Development at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. She is involved in the training of clinical psychologists and coordinates a guided doctoral program in the area of psychoanalytic psychotherapy and practice. Her primary research interests lie in the field of gender and masculinity studies, traumatic stress studies, and critical sociocultural aspects of clinical training.