Parenting Styles Psychology ATAR Unit 3

Processes of socialisation Socialisation is a lifelong process during which we learn about social expectations and how to interact with other people.  Socialisation is the process of learning throughout our life and influences our behaviour, beliefs and actions. Our socialisation starts as soon as we are born

Agents of socialisation Factors that affect our socialisation are known as agents of socialisation. In this unit, we will be looking at the family as an agent of socialisation Attachment Parenting styles

Family as a social system

3 Styles of Parenting Authoritarian Permissive Authoritative

Authoritarian Parent who relies on coercive techniques to discipline the child Displays a low level of nurturance. Coercive techniques include threats or physical punishment Places firm limits and controls on the child Little verbal exchange between the parent and the child

Authoritarian Effects on the child Does not exhibit a strong social responsibility or sense of independence Appears anxious about social comparison Does not initiate social activity Displays poor communication skills Boys - generally more aggressive Girls - generally more dependent In general appear unhappy

Authoritarian Effects extending to adolescence Less advanced moral reasoning Less pro-social behavior Lower self-esteem Poorer adjustment to starting school

Permissive Parent sets few limits on the child’s behaviour Either moderately nurturant or cool and uninvolved Makes few demands on mature behavior Allows child to make own decisions about routine behaviors including TV viewing, bedtime, and mealtimes

Permissive Effects on the child Does not exhibit a strong social responsibility or sense of independence Displays low self-control Displays low self-reliance Displays a tendency to expect to get own way

Authoritative Parent sets limits on a child’s behaviour using reasoning and explanation Displays a high degree of nurturance Expects child to behave in a mature manner Uses rewards more than punishments Communicates expectations clearly and provides explanations to help the child understand the reasoning behind the expectations Listens to what the child has to say Encourages dialogue between the parent and child

Authoritative Effects on the child Self-reliant Socially responsible Friendly with peers Cooperative with adults Independent Energetic Achievement oriented High degree of self-control

Authoritative Effects extending to adolescence More prosocial behaviours Fewer problem behaviours (i.e. substance abuse) Greater academic achievement Higher self-confidence

Why is authoritative best? Parent sets demands and guidelines on the child’s behaviours Child is aware of the responsibilities individuals have toward one another when they live in social groups Child is better equip with an understanding of how to sort out social problems

Why is authoritative best? Parental demands are accompanied with reasonable explanations Child is more likely to accept the limitations imposed on his or her actions

Why is authoritative best? Parent takes child’s responses into account and shows affection toward the child Child is likely to acquire a sense of control over his or her actions Child is able to derive a sense of self worth