Kakar's Psychoanalytic Interpretation of Indian Childhood: The Need to Emphasize the Father and Multiple Caregivers in The Socialization Equation

Kakar's psychoanalytic analysis of the role of the father in the East Indian child's socioemotional development during the early childhood period is examined. Furthermore, maternal employment and multiple caregiving are considered in broad terms. Using findings from observational studies of parent-infant interactions and care in diverse cultures around the world as a barometer, it is argued that fathers are more centrally involved in the Indian child's life than has been previously acknowledged. It is proposed that the Indian mother remains the primary caregiver with other socialization agents assuming complementary but nonequivalent roles in the Indian child's social development. Future discussions of Indian childhood development could further delineate the role of the father and multiple caregivers in the socialization process.