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Paper short abstract:

Our study examines the evolving roles and expectations associated with the Pater Familias archetype. Through interviews and psychotherapy room discussions, we examine how paternal influence affects the individual and society and emphasize the importance of nuanced discussions in psychotherapy.

Paper long abstract:

This research delves into the evolving role of fathers in Romanian society and examines the cultural expectations associated with the traditional "Pater Familias" archetype. Through a comprehensive study of 20th-century literary and scientific sources and in-depth interviews conducted in Bucharest, we investigate how fathers perceive and perform their roles and analyze the cultural and psychological dimensions that shape their behavior.

The study aims to investigate whether the cultural transmission of the paternal role, as influenced by societal norms, continues to correspond to contemporary realities. By conducting field interviews and psychotherapeutic anamnesis discussions about fathers, supplemented by relevant anthropological and psychological literature on family relationships, in general (Todorov, 2009; Segalen, 1986) and on fatherhood in particular (Jung, 1991; Samuels, 2016; Zoja, 2003) we aim to uncover the lessons individuals learned from their fathers and how those lessons shaped their life path.

Our results highlight the importance of promoting discussions about fatherhood in the field of psychotherapy. By analyzing narratives shared by patients about their fathers, we aim to shed light on the psychological significance of paternal influence and the impact of deviating from cultural expectations and whether fathers’ inability or unwillingness to conform to these standards leads to individual suffering or, on the contrary, individual development, family discord, and societal impact.

This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue about gender roles and family dynamics and emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of fatherhood that incorporates both cultural expectations and individual experiences.