Individualistic Culture

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When becoming parents, adults take their childhood experiences, with their prior knowledge, and mix it together and hope for the best. When comparing the three styles of parenting, (Authoritarian, Authoritative, and Permissive) you can explain how these styles of parenting can negatively or positively affect children and how they affect the parenting styles the child might choose when they themselves become parents. For example, if a child had parents who were disconnected and failed to set boundaries or expectations, the child would then grow up and become the “Authoritarian parent”, who typically uses the infamous line “Because I said so” or uses techniques such as fear, threatening emotional or physical punishment, and withdrawing love …show more content…

An individualistic culture is a society that is characterized by individualism (Psychology Eighth Addition). This term is often used to describe western cultures such as the United States (Considered highly individualistic according to the Journal of Cross Cultural Psychology). “An individualistic society depends on group harmony and consensus” (Educational Portal). Therefore this supports my thesis because individualistic cultures encourage autonomy and independence that is given in authoritative parenting. Contrary to this society, the collectivistic culture is defined as orientations that stress the importance of cohesion within social groups and in some cases, the priority of group goals over individual goals.” (Psychology Eighth Edition). Collectivistic cultures are considered to be more traditional societies, such as China (Considered highly collectivistic according to the Journal of Cross Cultural Psychology). This culture belief opposes my thesis because the authoritarian parenting style is preferred in most of these societies and seems to be a successful choice of parenting. “For example, traits such as group harmony, respect for elders, interdependence, and conformity to parental expectations are viewed as signs of successful child socialization in collectivistic cultures”(Journal of cross cultural psychology 819). “Chinese …show more content…

So where is the balance? Studies show that using the authoritative style of parenting is most effective.“The authoritative parenting is most effective in transmitting values in individualist societies because, in these contexts, it is important for an individual to assert themselves and actively pursue their own wishes and needs” (Journal of Cross Cultural Psychology 203). The authoritative parent uses a combination of love and limits to help their children develop independence. When children grow up with authoritative parents, they learn how to properly utilize their own social skills such as discussions and conversations, while enabling them to listen and convey their thoughts effectively. These children also exhibit more emotional control and maturity. Furthermore, these children develop a higher self-esteem and have more confidence in themselves because of the nurturing and encouraging environment they live in. The firm, but loving, authoritative parenting style produces competent and creative children, because they are encouraged to follow what interests them most. “The child may argue and test the limits, but he is fundamentally satisfied with his relationship to his parents and does not revolt” (Baumrind 795). Balance is the key, therefore when you use the authoritative parenting style your children are less likely to disobey orders from their authority and the relationship between the parent

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