Conceptualizing the Paternal Function: Maleness, Masculinity, or Thirdness?

In the context of changing constructions of gender and family structure, this article addresses two related aims. First, it aims to develop a focused and comprehensive understanding of what is termed the “paternal function” as understood within object relations theory. Second, it offers a critique of existing theory, arguing that the literature reflects some conflation between function and functionary, or between maleness and/or masculinity and the performance of this function or set of functions. Although the term “paternal function” is frequently employed in the psychoanalytic literature, a common understanding of what it constitutes cannot be assumed. The construct appears to encompass several different dimensions, four of which are explored in the article. The authors contend that paternal function should be understood as distinct from the role of the father in the life of the infant. This opens a space to consider alternative sources of parental functioning and the related importance of the position of third persons or objects in infant development. It is argued that critical engagement with the construct of the paternal function not only has relevance for rethinking developmental theory and child-rearing practices, but that it may also prove potentially valuable to case formulations and understanding interactional dynamics within the therapeutic relationship.