Page 1 of 5

Development Across the Lifespan

Psychology 2960
Chapter 8
APA Format
8/14/15

Question: What cultural and environmental factors in the U.S. may have contributed to a shift from an

authoritarian parenting style to one that is more authoritative since the 1940's?

The direction of discussion in this paper is to point out some of the cultural and environmental

factors that have contributed to a shift from an authoritarian parenting style to one that is more

authoritative since the 1940's within the United States. In order to condense events both culturally and

environmentally over the last seventy-five years this paper will direct attention to those that, seem to,

directly affect core family values and morals that may have contributed to the shift in parenting styles.

According to Feldman (2014) a person cannot accurately measure the outcome of approaches to

parenting without considering cultural background and education of each core family that is being

assessed. He also points out that it would be a faulty assessment to place all evidence of behavior

outcomes on parenting style alone. A child’s actions and personality can be built upon a foundation of

inherited and/or inborn attributes and other influences around them. These other factors can result in a

vise versa interaction between parent and child that can make it harder to determine the direct

influence of an action (Feldman 2014).

What is needed first is an understanding of the measurable differences between authoritarian

and authoritative parenting. In authoritarian style parenting there is no negotiation of rules,

expectations, or directions between a parent and a child. What has been stated is what or how it is to be

done or suffer the severe consequences and often does not involve a calm approach. Feldman (2014)

reports that the possible outcome of this style of parenting today can result in children who are unable

JB 8/14/15
 Page 2 of 5

to form healthy positive relations with others, are more introverted, and are inhibited socially. In

authoritative parenting styles there is a much calmer negotiations based approach. Children today that

have benefitted from this approach show a higher ability in being able to structure and plan their

behaviors and emotions as well as, form outgoing approaches to building relationships. Children under

this guidance are less likely to feel unappreciated and unheard and more likely to be confident in their

achievements (Feldman 2014). The interaction between parent and child tend to have a more equal give

and take attitude, resulting in less confrontational reactions on both sides.

It is important to note that throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s parenting styles that may not

necessarily be as accepted today were accepted then. During this time there still remained a prevalent

male privilege thinking process that dictated the social roles of men verses women. Over time there

have been major changes within the United States through different events such as more liberal thinking

by women, the Civil rights in 1964, influxes in the immigration of diverse individuals, and the most

recent movement by government to ban discrimination of same sex partners and marriages. Feldman

(2014) emphasizes the importance of looking at all these factors today. Other changes such as

advancements in technology, education, and differing family dynamics have had an impact on the

changes occurring.

Previous to the 1940’s the women’s rights movement set the stage for increased liberal thinking

by women. No longer subscribing to the fact they are housewives only, women banned together in

support of each other gaining the courage to leave abusive husbands, expand their education, and find

more equality between women and men. Parents with rigid views of sex roles continued to teach their

children the same beliefs structured by authoritarianism. Children are most susceptible to moral

decision making based on what they are being taught by their parents between the ages of four and

seven (Feldman 2014). During this period Feldman (2014) describes the term heteronomous morality

JB 8/14/15
 Page 3 of 5

according to one theory where children are limited in their thinking based on what they have been

taught. Cheah, Leung, Tahseen, and Schultz (2009) seem to agree in that they point out that this age

group is the most susceptible and rigid about their parental teachings. It also begins to show through a

child’s behavior as they begin acting within more social networks at this age (Cheah et al. 2009).

Research conducted thirty-five years after the women’s rights movement began appears to indicate

negative emotional effects of this change. Mostly occurring due to conflicting ideas about traditional sex

roles between men and women (Chevron, Quinlan, and Blatt, 1978). On a positive note significant

advancements in many areas are attributed to women. Both the negative and positive effects have

altered the family dynamics for many. In many cases it has created an increase in divorces, single parent

homes, and differing values of having children prior to marriage. Today it has become much more

acceptable and explainable in society. Therefore, parents are more likely to teach in an authoritative

manner in order to prepare children for these decisions in their life rather than an authoritarian

approach that may cause rebellion.

The Civil Rights movement and the most recent banning of discrimination of same sex couples

have many factors that are similar. Both began and continued to be taught to others in rigid traditional

views consistent with authoritarian structure. As it becomes more acceptable to society with diverse

and critical thinking practices different standards are taught to the next generation. According to

Feldman (2014) children repeat what they see and hear based on what is presented by their parents,

educators, and other influences in their social environment. This is also reflected on a cultural level in

studies done on authoritarian verses authoritative in the Chinese culture. According to Cheah et al.

(2009) when they describe the parenting practices of immigrated Chinese mothers to those who did not

migrate they found that initial parenting prior to this age group was the same. Treatment of a child was

supportive, loving, nurturing, and did not include harsh disciplines for behaviors until after a certain age

of cognitive acknowledgment (Cheah et al. 2009). This being an example of how changes occur based on

JB 8/14/15
 Page 4 of 5

research as well. They also note that children are more likely to be in more control of their actions and

autonomous when they have parents that are accepting of them (Cheah et al. 2009).

Advancements in technology have increased. While technology has provided great

advancements in what people are able to accomplish it has also created greater opportunities for men

and women to cheat on each other, enforce addictions through gambling, and a host of other issues.

The wealth of information available to adults can also be seen by children. The degree to which children

are affected by this in a parental standpoint is that these social and moral dilemmas virtually did not

exist in the 1940’s. Feldman (2014) references violent video games as an example. A parent’s reaction to

limiting this type of exposure can be authoritative or authoritarian.

Technology has played a key role in the way people communicate with one another. On one

hand it has introduced a lot of other options that are of a negative aspect but, on the other it has also

given way to larger support arenas for people everywhere. According to Cheah et al. (2009) a parent has

a greater chance of feeling less secluded and overcome by their lives and children when they have social

support. Technology provides an open source for feedback on parenting styles. It also allows for

expanded sources for achieving higher education. Cheah et al. (2009) concludes that higher education is

linked to a more authoritative principle; people are exposed to information that concerns cognitive and

social development that can make a positive impact on their parenting styles. Feldman (2014) agrees

with both the positive and negative effects of technology when he points out the models of aggression

and factors relating to what children see on television, games, social media, and the news. He also

create well informed guidelines to put into place in attempting to curb some of the damage this may

create in some children (Feldman 2014).

JB 8/14/15
 Page 5 of 5

References

Cheah, C. L., Leung, C. Y., Tahseen, M., & Schultz, D. (2009). Authoritative parenting among

immigrant Chinese mothers of preschoolers. Journal Of Family Psychology, 23(3), 311-

320. doi:10.1037/a0015076

Chevron, E. S., Quinlan, D. M., & Blatt, S. J. (1978). Sex roles and gender differences in the

experience of depression. Journal Of Abnormal Psychology, 87(6), 680-683.

doi:10.1037/0021-843X.87.6.680

Feldman, R. (2014). Development across the lifespan (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

Education, Inc.

JB 8/14/15