Module 1: FAMILY

(Page 5) Resource sheet 1 (cont)

mammals – monkeys

'Harlow and his colleagues (working at the University of Wisconsin, U.S.A.) used artificial surrogate mothers made of wire netting and towelling to investigate the components of nursing behaviour. Furry objects are preferred by the baby monkeys. If separated from the surrogate mother, the isolated youngster spends long periods of time rocking and holding on to itself. Harlow also showed that young monkeys in captivity, isolated from their mothers, were usually not able to mate in later life or to bring up their offspring if they did.' *

In the wild young monkeys and their mothers remain together for a few hours after birth and then recognise each other easily. The mother always knows her own young and will not let other adults handle it for long periods. In many groups of monkeys there are other members of the group who will accept the youngster if the mother dies. If this happens the young monkey shows no sign of being deprived.

* Dr M.R.A. Chance Mothers and their infants 'Science Journal', Jan. 1971

human beings

During pregnancy most parents develop specific expectations about what their baby will be like. The most common of these is to do with the sex of the baby. When the baby is born, however, the parents soon begin to examine the child and relate its features, colour of hair etc. to other members of the family. If a new baby is placid or noisy it may be likened to an existing member of the family and so on. There is no evidence to suggest that a mother will reject her baby just because she is separated from him/her for hours or, in the case of a difficult birth, for days.

Human babies are born with instinctive reactions. They will cling to a finger but are not able to support their weight on their legs. They 'root' with the head to find food at their mother's breast. They cry when they want attention.

Bonding develops in humans when feeding and holding makes a mother and child recognise each other more and more as time goes by. It has been demonstrated in homes for neglected or deserted children that the development of the senses of such children and their
responses to other human beings is retarded when compared with children who have had normal, loving physical contact as babies.

The relationship between a human parent and his/her child takes many years to mature. It is not an immediate relationship although the response of loving parents is immediate.