Essay on Culture and Psychology
What are the pros and cons of each parenting style? What type of child is likely to develop under each of the four parenting styles?
It is known that parenting style plays an important role in caregiving and “sets the tone for the family context” (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008, p. 69). There are four major parenting styles, according to Baumrind: authoritarian parents, permissive parents, authoritative parents and uninvolved parents.
The pro of authoritarian parenting style is that children are obedient and always under control, but the con is that children of authoritarian parents often are “found to be more anxious and withdrawn” (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008, p. 69). These children lack intellectual curiosity and have serious communication problems. They have no friends and often suffer from loneliness. The con of the permissive parenting style is that children “tend to be immature” (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008, p. 69). In addition, children of permissive parents are more undisciplined, have problems with controlling their impulses and do not need their parents’ advice. The pro of the permissive parenting style is that children are more communicative, liberated and independent. The pro of authoritative parenting style is that children “demonstrate more positive mood”. They are self-confident and morally responsible, independent and reliable, hardworking and goal-oriented. The con of authoritative parenting style is that children are often highly emotional, and have problems with self-esteem. The con of uninvolved parenting style is that children are often undisciplined, demanding, rude and noncompliant. The pro of uninvolved parenting style is that children can hold their own against anyone because they know that their parents are not interested in their affairs.
To sum up, authoritative parenting style is considered to be the most optimal for all children because it has positive effects on children’s psychological development. Children of authoritative parents are more successful at school and have greater family connectedness, and, as a rule, better mental health (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008, p. 70).
