Baumrind Parenting Styles - Research Paper Example

Baumrind and her colleagues were involved in an extensive research to establish the relationships between certain patterns in child-rearing and the specific child’s outcomes. The research on the Baumrind parenting styles was driven by the urge to find out the impact of parents in the development of children. In establishing these findings, Diana Baumrind engaged in a research which covered about hundred pre-school age children. Baumrind used naturalistic observation and interviewing parents among other methods of research.

The research came up with four styles of parenting which were well distinguished. They were labeled as permissive, authoritarian, uninvolved and authoritative parenting styles. Among the four styles, Baumrind established three basic parenting styles; authoritarian, permissive and authoritative. The fourth basic parenting style that is, uninvolved/nonconformist parenting style, was established after a further research conducted by Macoby and Martin. The Baumrid parenting style study though conducted a long time ago; parents still find themselves using one of the four styles of parenting.

Each of the parenting style is made up of different variations as well as combinations. The Baumrind parenting style consists of two combinations which are demand and control on one hand and on the other hand is responsiveness accompanied by acceptance. Baumrind was of the view that parents need not be punitive or aloof in dealing with their children. Thus she recognized the need for parents to come up with rules which govern the behavior of their children and be affectionate to their children.

In her research she expresses normal variations involved in the four parenting styles. Baumrind rules out deviant parenting which is experienced in abusive homes. In most cases, parents tend to fall in-between two styles showing characteristics of different styles. In explaining the various types of parenting styles, Baumrind involves the two major factors that is demanding and responsiveness. Authoritarian parenting style refers to a style whereby the parent expects a lot of respect ass obedience from their children.

According to Baumrind an authoritarian parent is high demanding and controlling but has low responsiveness. One of the major characteristics of authoritative parenting style is strictness. The parents are very strict and mostly set strict rules for the children. This parenting style is perceived as the most rigid and inflexible compared to other parenting styles as suggested by Barber (1996). Such commanding expressions as shut up! Sit down! And others are common with parents who apply this style.

There is a common expectation that the child has to obey without questioning any command. The parents do not explain much about the rules and regulations to their children thus children in this family do not give their opinions. Authoritarian parenting style is mostly exhibited in male parents as it has been culturally conceived that fathers are the authority figures in every family set up. In the past generations it was also conceived that children were expected only to be seen but not to be heard.

Therefore it can be argued that this style is mostly used in those families where the traditional values are still upheld. Permissive parenting style presents the opposite of the authoritarian parenting style. According to Baumrind, here the parents are less demanding and less controlling which is not good but are highly responsible which is good. In this style there