Running head: PAPER 2: ASSIGNMENT 1

Cultural Influences on Parenting Styles and Child Development

Name

Social & Cultural Foundations

PSY-339-OL01

04/27/2024
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Introduction

Overview of the Topic

Parental styles of upbringing and their influence on the change of children’s

developmental and mental status in cultures of the whole world are of tremendous importance.

Cultural discourse provides the basis for cognitive, emotional, and collective development in the

context of parent-child interactions, where values and common cultural concepts are the essential

factors. An important factor that influences psychologists' research in the field of studying the

inspirations of different cultural contexts on the upbringing methods and of the children

development is the understanding of how the cultural contexts shape the parenting styles and

consequently affect child development.

Importance of Understanding Cultural Influences on Parenting Styles

The extent to which one can take into account the effect of cultural differences on the

manner of raising children is unrecognized. Culture embodies lots of elements, from the set of

beliefs and what we admire, to the tradition and societal norms, having all of them mold the way

individuals perceive and get into role of parenthood. Cultural variations of parenting practices (as

a means of expressing the diversity of human societies) not only display the complexity (of the

process of the human being involved in the upbringing) of human development but also stress it.

Moreover, childcare intervention programs need to factor in the cultural differences in

forthcoming parent styles which is imperative when it comes to promoting cross cultural

understanding as well as enhancing the effectiveness of interventions that seek to support family

life and promote child welfare.

Thesis Statement
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This research paper takes an in-close look at the complex phenomenon involving the

culture, ways of parenting and child’s development. By using an analysis of parenting variations

across cultures, individual parenting styles and kid results, and the relations for intervention and

support services, this paper aims to explain the complex link between culture and parenting from

psychology point of view. It is through such discussions that will help us to appreciate how time

and place mold the manner in which parents practice and hence the developmental paths that

children pursue.

Cultural Variations in Parenting Styles

Definition of Parenting Styles

Parenting styles indicate concrete parental actions and beliefs that underpin the way

parents react to their children's behavior and rebuke them. These styles are typically

conceptualized along two dimensions: responsiveness to parents (warmth, support, and

acceptance) and control, supervision, or punishment by parents (parental demandingness). In

accordance with these properties different parental styles appeared, such as authoritative,

authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved.

Overview of different Parenting Styles across Cultures

The upbringing styles are undeniably differentiated among cultures by the contrast in

cultural beliefs about kids upbringing. Furthermore, as collectivist cultures where group

connection, and group harmony are mostly stressed, they usually emphasize socialization,

respect for authority and all the obligation involved in this collectivist culture. There is a

difference between the cultures that stress individualistic values like independence, self-

expression and personal achievement resulting in parenting styles which promote self-
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management, critical thinking and assertiveness from the ones that emphasis the importance of

collectiveness leading to parenting that foster a spirit of tribalism, loyalty and harmony.

Factors Influencing Cultural Variations in Parenting Styles

Societal Norms and Values

Cultural background and family values are reflected in parental guidelines and conduct

patterns among individuals in society. For instance, cultures that prioritize hierarchical social

structures may favor authoritarian parenting styles, whereas cultures that value egalitarianism

may endorse more democratic or authoritative approaches to parenting.

Example: Sorkhabi, (2012) suggests that cultures which has strong bonds among people

and high levels of social control show greater compliance to an authoritarian parenting style.

Economic Factors

The socioeconomic situation, for instance, displays features such as income inequality,

accessibility to resources and opportunities, which also affects how parents back children.

Economic instability may lead parents to adopt more controlling or authoritarian parenting styles

as a means of ensuring children's conformity and success in a competitive environment.

Example: As it is the result of research by Zubizarreta, Calvete & Hankin, (2018) this

may be associated with the fact that economic difficulties lead to a pattern of parenting with high

use of authoritarian style and low parental warmth and support.

Historical and Cultural Traditions

The human events, cultural traditions, and the oral transmission of parenting strategies by

the older do a lot in ensuring that the particular type of parenting is passed through generations.

These traditions shape parental attitudes and behaviors, influencing the way parents interact with

their children and instill cultural values and beliefs.

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Example: Aycan, (2006) has figured out the dominant role of cultural practices (i.e.,

extended families and people-oriented status) in the parenting mode of some societies like

Chinese (East Asian).

Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development

Overview of Child Development Domains (Cognitive, Emotional, Social)

Child development covers many domains such as the cognitive, emotional and the social

fields, where parenting plays a big part in each aspect development.

Discussion of how Different Parenting Styles Influence Child Development

Authoritative Parenting

Authoritarian parenting is marked by parental involvement, understanding, and

acceptance, along with well-defined and unwavering principles for conduct. Empirical data

always show that routine of authoritative parenting nourishes good results in children in many

area of development (Lansford, 2021). Ones who are brought up by the authoritative kind of

parents, their level of self-esteem, academic achievement and social competence will be

heightened as well as their rate of problem behaviors and delinquency are lowered.

Authoritarian Parenting

Authoritarian parenting is the style of parenting characterized by high amounts of

parental control, demanded thinking and little attention and understanding for the child's

feelings. Indeed, authoritarian parenting can improve kids’ discipline and obedience (Lansford,

2021). However, a variety of studies show that authoritarian parenting is not associated with a

number of positive outcomes and may be related to negative effects, including low self-esteem,

poor performance at school, and higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Permissive Parenting
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Permissive parenting refers to parents who show much love and leniency to their children

while lacking in self-control and discipline. Those brought up in permissive homes might face

difficulties related to self-regulation, and some may possibly develop impulsive behavior which

will make it even more challenging for them to set boundaries with their peers and the authority

figures (Lansford, 2021). It has been found that permissive parenting style is usually

accompanied by decreasing academic performance and higher rate of children maladjustment.

Uninvolved Parenting

Uninvolved parents usually do not show enough love, understanding, and affection

towards their children and they also do not care about children’s growth and development

(Lansford, 2021). Moreover, they neglect children by giving them minimum supervision and

guidance. Youngsters raised by parents who are not very in the picture most probably will have

such emotional notions as underestimation, insecurity, lack of emotional involvement, etc.

Unimvolved parenting is associated with a variety of bad consequences for example low grades

in academic tasks, behavioral issues and emotional disturbances.

Cultural Considerations in Interpreting the Effects of Parenting Styles on Child

Development

Cultural consequence covers a considerable amount in building the impact of parenting

styles over a child perspective. What could be understood as proper or well-taking in young

parents in one social setting may not suggest so in another. The cultural factors such as opinions,

perceptions, and norms as demonstrated how the variety of parenting styles affect them

contextually, hence, they confirm the need for sensitive cultures in the examination of child

development processes.

Cultural Influences on Parenting Practices

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Examination of Specific Cultural Practices related to Parenting

Parenting roles and Responsibilities

Parents are guided by the culture which determines the education and responsibilities the

parents have in the society. And they lay down requirements concerning how parents should be

involved in the things like to bring up children (give them care, education and discipline). As a

case in point, there is a strong tendency among somecultures in assigning the mother the major

role of child care and nurturing, whereas the father will provide financial and counsel support

(Lansford, 2022).

Parent-child Communication Patterns

Parent and child inter-communication differs among cultures, driven by the cultures'

tolerance to respect, authority and emotions expression (de Silva, 2001). Sometimes people are

taught and supported explicitly that they should speak directly and be assertive in their culture;

however, in other cultures, indirect and deference communication style and the respect to

authority figures are more common.

Discipline Methods

Cultural theories on discipline determine the tools used by the guardians to control the

conduct of children Punitive techniques may vary from non-interference based on justification

and agreement to disciplinary measures based on punishment and obedience. The educational

methodology that parents use to discipline their children may reflect deep-seated beliefs about

children themselves, their level of autonomy, and methods of socialization (Desforges &

Abouchaar, 2003).

Attachment and Caregiving Practices

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Cultural ways of dealing with attachment and care influence the degree of connection

between parents and their infants as well as how young people turn out to be emotionally.

Attachmen theory understands early caregiving experiences have a profound effect on the quality

of attachment style of an individual, as well their socio-emotional functioning (de Silva, 2001).

Shared ways of the culture on the caregiving practice, like co-sleeping, baby-wearing, and the

family involvements, play a great role in creating attachment bonds and feeling security.

Case Studies or Examples Illustrating Cultural Differences in Parenting Practices

Example 1: Parenting Roles in East Asian Cultures

In East Asian societies where like these in China and Japan, parenting roles are

traditionally set based not only on education but also being compliant. Parents devote time and

money to shaping their children's academic lives through teaching and care for extracurricular

activities. Many researchers indicate support for parents in education by saying it contributes to

children’s achievement and way of life as adults (Desforges & Abouchaar, 2003).

Example 2: Communication Patterns in Collectivist Cultures

Hence, in the collectivist societies like those of most of the African and Middle Eastern

countries, parent-child communication deals more disrespectfully with such factors as respect for

hierarchy in the collection of effective communication. As the children are growing, they are

taught to show concern and obeying the command of authority figures, as well as express their

obedience and respect towards the elders (Kohlberg, 2008). Making a challenge of parents even

through direct or indirect disagreement is seen as an act of disrespect or disobedience in the

world.

Cultural Competence in Parenting Interventions and Support

Importance of Cultural Competence in Parenting Interventions

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Cultural sensitivity in parenting interventions is vital, given that this will guarantee that

all parenting support programs capture the various needs among diverse families. Cultural

variation in the way people raise children and their beliefs related to parenting should not be

ignored; instead, they should be understood and respected to promote positive parent-child

interactions. This in turn will facilitate healthy child development. (Sue et al, 2016). If cultural

competence is not applied, family and parental interventions are likely to overlook the special

cultural contexts and experiences of families and, consequently, offer ineffectual or inappropriate

method of intervention.

Strategies for Culturally Sensitive Parenting Support Programs

Cultural Tailoring

Parenting interventions which are tailored are important to work to support the values,

norms and practices of the target group’s culture Mejia et al., 2017). This will require

customizing the program content, materials, and mode of delivery to match the cultural norms

and inclinations of the participants.

Community Collaboration

When provided with opportunities to be involved in the plan and implementation of such

programs community leaders, parents, and cultural brokers can add more cultural perspectives

which are synced with their way of life. Partnering with locals and community advocates is

essential because it implies incorporating cultural norms in the interventions and targeting public

specific issues (Ellis & Dietz, 2017).

Cultural Sensitivity Training

Providing training and professional development opportunities for intervention staff and

practitioners is essential for promoting cultural competence. Training should focus on increasing
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awareness of cultural diversity, challenging biases and stereotypes, and developing skills for

effectively engaging with families from different cultural backgrounds (Sue, 1991).

Challenges and Considerations in Implementing Culturally Competent Interventions

Language and Communication Barriers

Intercultural environment may lead to the significant impediments of effective and

efficient communication and parenting involvement. Making available oral or written materials

in their native language, offering interpreter services once native language communication is not

feasible, and applying various multicultural communication tactics will increment linguistically

different families’ inclusion and communication (Castro, Barrera Jr & Holleran Steiker, 2010).

Respect for Diversity

The culturally responsive approaches have to address the fact of the clear diversity of

people being within the cultural group (Castro et al., 2010). Not only guarding against

stereotypic and discriminative ways of inter-racial communication but rather embracing unique

qualities and encouraging diverse approaches in each culture is important to establish a sense of

belonging and trust with all the parties.

Power Dynamics and Equity

Giving attention and paying particular to power imbalances in programs and contributing

towards equity is most important for making sure that families most vulnerable are not left

behind. Such interventions need to be geared towards families as the main actors in the decision-

making processes Carman et al., 2013). Moreover, they should work towards exposing systemic

barriers that can be as a source of perpetual inequities.

Future Directions and Implications

Discussion of Iimplications for Research, Practice, and Policy

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Recognition of cultural impact on parent styles and child development translates to

crucial elements in research, practice, and policy in psychology and other psych related areas.

There is a research evidence indicating that differences in parenting techniques may be

among the key drivers of children’s results (Spera, 2005). Consequently, constant study of these

influences will create a platform upon which we base our development in human psychology.

As an integral practice, integrating cultural competence into the parenting interventions

and programs that provide support is vital to the services from being accessible, acceptable and

effective for the diverse families (Sue, 1991). Culturally relevant instruments of assessment,

strategies of intervention, and program assessment can thus become more effective services for

people of various cultures.

From the policy perspective, the agenda is advocating for the systems that value the

equality, justice, and cultural sensitivity regarding family support services. Such a system

enables us to identify and address the systemic issues which discourage the empowerment of

children and families. Implementation of program actions directed at lowering the obstacles to

the access, developing sustainable funding for perpetuating culturally appropriate services, and

backing community-based strategies for parenting support can contribute to the enhancement of

overall well-being of a child amid diverse cultural contexts.

Suggestions for Future Research Directions

Cross-Cultural Comparisons

Executing studies that are aimed at making cross-cultural comparisons can result in a

better understanding of the univeral and cultural specific features of parenting and different

outcomes of child development (Turner, 2020). The comparison of parenting practices is able to
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help in the search for common grounds and agreeing on what is different in cultures and reveal

the complexity pattern of cultural factors that guide upbringing.

Intersectionality

Extrapolating the interesectionality of cultural identities (e.g. race, ethnicity,

socioeconomic standing, immigration status) in the process of such exploration can increase our

understanding of how one's multiple social identities condense to influence parenthood and child

outcomes. Through intersectional research methods, researchers’ focus is to capture the

exclusive variations, faced by families with diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.

Longitudinal Studies

Recurrent studies based on families where the influence of individual cultures on the

concept of parenting has been taken into account in the course of time have revealed the impact

of these processes on the development of a child (Barber, 2005). Longitudinal studies can track

development journey, highlight critical development influences during pregnancy, infancy and

early childhood, and showcase cultural adaptation and acculturation mechanisms shaping

parenting gifts and children's outcomes over their lifetime.

Conclusion

Ultimately, cultural practice will not only do its best in shaping parenting styles but also

affects child development. By looking into how the cultural differences appear in parenting

styles, the effect on child outcomes of such styles as well as the support of cultural competency

in the consequent intervention programs or support systems, we are in a position to build up

strong and healthy child-parent relationships alleviating cultural variations. In conclusion, more

work is all needed in the forms of studies, practice, and policy shift that will bring about new
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research on the cultural ties to parenting and that families will receive helpful backing and

resources.
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References

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