Attachment parenting in Greece: a ‘mothers’ only’ affair?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Attachment Parenting is a modern-day parenting philosophy that has become popular in Western countries. It aims to promote healthy psycho-emotional development of children by encouraging maximal emotional and physical contact, especially between the mother and the child, through practices such as long-term breastfeeding and co-sleeping. The iteration of intensive mothering ideals and gender stereotypes within Attachment Parenting philosophy are discussed and investigated in Greece, a country characterized by traditional values regarding gender roles. Specifically, the aim of the study was to explore in depth the parental experience of Greek mothers and fathers who adhere to the Attachment Parenting (AP) practices, and the possible effects of this parenting philosophy on them and their family’s dynamics. The sample consisted of ten Greek heterosexual couples who parent their children according to AP. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed three main themes: (1) mothers as absolutely dedicated caregivers, (2) mothers as the ‘parenting leaders’, (3) overwhelmed mothers and isolated fathers. The discussion focuses on the family dynamics that are characterized by mothers’ over-involvement in child-rearing, fathers’ under-involvement, and a distant relationship between the couple.