Absence of a Biological Father in Childhood and Female Adolescent Promiscuity - Dissertation Example

Young females who display ‘responsible sexual behaviors engage in positive communication with their fathers about dating and sex, and fathers who encouraged androgynous behaviors in their daughters (Bowling, 2000).  Therefore, on the flip side, it can be construed that the absence of a biological father who involves in the parental process, is likely to create a higher rate of promiscuity in teenage females.  Teen mothers perceive a strong link between their promiscuity and the lack of an appropriate father figure with whom they can engage in healthy interaction (Burns, 2008).

Promiscuity is a sensitive topic that causes much controversy and at times the discussion focuses on mailing a culprit or scapegoat to explain the rise of promiscuity in today’s society.  People generally lay the blame on the parents, schools, contemporary culture, and the media.  According to Fluker (1983), as quoted by Gordon Baumbacher (1992), promiscuity can be defined as sexual behavior with multiple partners which is physically or emotionally damaging to the individual engaging in it (Stern, 1992 pg. 4). A study by Figueredo et al (2005) finds that there is a general tendency to lay the blame on the father for the promiscuous behavior of the daughter.  This study further establishes links between the absence of a biological father in early childhood to prostitution. Besides, several other studies, such as the one conducted by James and Meyer ding (1978) provide corroborative evidence to the claim that there exists a significant link between a father’s absence and female promiscuity. Similarly, evidence also points to a stronger relationship between female promiscuity and the role of the father while the absence of the mother has not been established as a contributory factor for male promiscuity (Figueredo et al, 2005).

Since the mid-20th century, ethnologists and sociologists have been exploring the connection between genetic relationships and cultural functions.  Several studies have, thus, been conducted to ascertain the reasons for female promiscuity.