Motherhood and the Relationships of the Sexes
Is there not here yet another lesson for us to learn?     CONTENTS OF CHAPTER VI  PARENTHOOD AMONG THE HIGHER ANIMALS  THE FIXING OF THE PARENTAL INSTINCT IN THE MOTHER       Retrogression in fatherhood—Among mammals no examples of     devoted fathers—Egoistic desires increase in the males and     interest in the family decreases—Probable reason—Method of     birth and circumstances of life of infant mammals force     mothers to monopolise nutrition and care of young—Parenthood     more automatic—The father pushed out of his earlier position     of service to the family—Instead of a working partner with     the mother he becomes a member apart—His character appears     to change—He becomes masterful, pugnacious and jealous—This     general among mammals—Number of young among mammals usually     reduced—Varied forms of sexual association practised by     different species—Polygamy frequent—The matriarchal family—The     clue we are seeking—The egoism of the males acts for the     advantage of the females—The maternal instinct fixed in the     mothers—Self-sacrifice becomes once and for ever the supreme     joy and privilege of the female—Objections that may be     raised—Resumé—General conclusions to be drawn from pre-human     parenthood.