Examples of Authoritarian Parenting Style and its Explanation

Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping a child's development and overall well-being. Among the various parenting styles, authoritarian parenting stands out as a particularly strict and controlling approach. This essay aims to explore examples of authoritarian parenting style and provide a comprehensive explanation of its characteristics, effects on children, and underlying psychological theories.

Authoritarian parenting is characterized by strict rules, high demands, and low responsiveness. Parents who employ this style tend to have a hierarchical relationship with their children, where they assert their authority and enforce obedience.

They have little tolerance for negotiation or flexibility and rely on punishment as a means of control. Examples of authoritarian parenting include parents who expect absolute compliance, use harsh discipline methods, and display limited warmth or emotional support.

Examples of Authoritarian Parenting in Action

Strict Rules and High Demands:

a. Parents who impose rigid curfews and strict schedules, leaving little room for individual preferences.

b. Expectations for academic achievement that may be excessively high, leading to pressure and stress on the child.

Get quality help now

WriterBelle

Verified writer

Proficient in: Parenting

4.7 (657)

“ Really polite, and a great writer! Task done as described and better, responded to all my questions promptly too! ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

c. Insistence on specific behaviors, such as eating all the food on the plate or adhering to specific dress codes.

Harsh Discipline:

a. Utilization of physical punishment, such as spanking or slapping, as a means of maintaining control.

b. Verbal threats, yelling, or belittling comments to enforce obedience.

c. Grounding or denying privileges for minor transgressions, often without explanation or discussion.

Limited Warmth and Emotional Support:

a. Lack of emotional expression or affectionate gestures, such as hugging or praising.

b. Dismissive attitudes towards the child's emotions, discouraging open communication.

c. A tendency to prioritize discipline and rules over nurturing and empathy.

Effects of Authoritarian Parenting on Children

Authoritarian parenting has profound effects on children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. While some effects may vary based on individual temperament and external factors, several common outcomes can be observed:

Low Self-Esteem and Internalization of Rules:

a. Children raised under authoritarian parenting tend to have lower self-esteem due to constant criticism and the feeling of never meeting expectations.

b. They often internalize the strict rules imposed upon them, leading to self-regulation difficulties and limited decision-making skills.

Fear and Anxiety:

a. The high levels of control and punishment associated with authoritarian parenting can induce fear and anxiety in children.

b. They may develop a constant need for approval and validation, leading to difficulties in forming autonomous identities.

Reduced Social Competence:

a. Authoritarian parenting inhibits the development of effective social skills, as children are less likely to engage in open communication or negotiation.

b. They may struggle with assertiveness, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, resulting in challenges in interpersonal relationships.

Rebellion or Submissiveness:

a. Some children raised under authoritarian parenting may rebel against strict control and rules, leading to disruptive or oppositional behaviors.

b. Others may become overly submissive, suppressing their true thoughts and feelings to avoid punishment, hindering their autonomy and self-expression.

Psychological Explanations for Authoritarian Parenting

Psychodynamic Theory:

a. Authoritarian parenting can be rooted in unresolved unconscious conflicts within the parent, leading to a projection of control onto the child.

b. It may reflect the parent's own experiences of strict upbringing or a need to establish a sense of power and authority.

Social Learning Theory:

a. Parents who adopt an authoritarian style may have learned it from their own parents or from cultural norms that emphasize obedience and discipline.

b. Observational learning plays a role, as parents replicate behaviors they have witnessed or experienced.

Attachment Theory:

a. Insecure attachment patterns, such as anxious or avoidant attachments, can contribute to the adoption of authoritarian parenting.

b. Parents with insecure attachment styles may struggle to provide emotional support and warmth, resulting in a more controlling approach.

Conclusion

Strict rules, high demands, and limited responsiveness characterize authoritarian parenting style. It manifests through examples such as strict rules, harsh discipline, and limited emotional support. The effects of authoritarian parenting on children include low self-esteem, fear and anxiety, reduced social competence, and tendencies towards rebellion or submissiveness. Psychological theories such as psychodynamic theory, social learning theory, and attachment theory provide insights into the underlying explanations for this parenting style. Understanding the dynamics and consequences of authoritarian parenting is crucial in promoting healthier and more nurturing approaches to child-rearing, which foster positive development and well-being.