1. History & Theories of Parenting Flashcards
(27 cards)
Who can provide parenting?
Parents, guardians, adoptive parents, stepparents, and foster parents
Parenting can also involve extended family members and others in caregiving roles.
What is the definition of parenting?
To be or act as a mother or father to someone OR the process of caring for a child or children
Meeting a childs needs.
What is parenthood?
The state of being a parent and the responsibilities involved
Parenthood can be considered a passive state.
What is socialisation?
Teaching the skills, behaviours, values, and motivations needed for competent functioning in the culture in which the child is growing up
Maccoby (2007)
What are some factors that influence parenting practices?
- Culture
- Financial status
- Sibling dynamics
- Family involvement
- Discipline styles
- Work commitments
- Family structure
- Behavioral difficulties
Each parenting experience is unique based on these factors.
What is the current parenting landscape?
Parenting is based upon research findings (vs child rearing beliefs)
However the parenting landscape is constantly changing so findings are rarely fixed (e.g. covid, techology)
What changes are associated with becoming a parent?
- Financial responsibilities
- Physical changes
- Lack of time for self
- Lack of sleep
- New responsibilities
- Changes in priorities and hobbies
- Mental health impacts
- Strain on relationships
- Development of new networks
- Emotional changes
- Changes in physical space
Transitioning into parenthood can significantly alter various aspects of life.
What is the focus of evolutionary psychology theory in parenting?
Parent-child relationships are shaped by genetic self-interest, survival strategies, and reproductive success
Explain the Evolutionary Psychology Theory
Natural Selection: Those better suited to the environment they are born in are more likely to survive and reproduce, thus passing on successful traits (Darwin, 1859)
The Selfish Gene: Genes drive natural selection by employing strategies that promote gene survival → Goal is for genes to survive and get passed on (Dawkins, 1976)
What are some evolutionary features that have evolved to increase infant survival?
- Infant cry – powerful tool designed to elicit caregiver attention
- Unique facial characteristics: “cute” e.g. Large forehead, round cheeks, small nose and chin – draws people in and switch on caregiver attention, ensures love
What does bioecological systems theory propose?
A child’s development is influenced by its environment and context
(Brondenbrenner, 1979)
The formula B = f(P, E) indicates that behavior is a function of the person and the environment.
What are the components of the bioecological systems theory?
- Microsystem: Immediate environment and direct interactions
- Mesosystem: Connections between microsystems
- Exosystem: External factors causing indirect influences
- Macrosystem: Cultural beliefs and values
- Chronosystem: Changes over time
This theory recognizes the dynamic interactions affecting child development.
What does a transactional relationship mean?
The child influences the environment and the environment influences the child
Microsystem
Bioecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979)
Immediate environment (home, school) and direct interactions (parents, siblings, teachers) - Directly influences child development.
Can be bi-directional e.g. easy child, easy parenting
Mesosystem
Bioecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979)
Connections between the microsystems - how they come together and interact
e.g. parents and teachers communicate
Exosystem
Bioecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979)
External factors that causes indirect influences on the child’s microsystem
e.g. parents place of work, parent support systems, community safety - influences parents interactions with child
Macrosystem
Bioecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979)
Cultural beliefs, values, laws and social norms in which systems 1-3 are embedded
e.g., social policies, cultural expectations for discipline, economic conditions, COVID lockdown.
Chronosystem
Bioecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979)
How the systems (1-4) change / remain consistent over time
e.g. divorce, sibling birth, covid
What is the significance of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)?
It tracked 14,000 pregnant mothers and produced thousands of studies on parenting and child development
The study began in 1991-1992 and is a significant resource for contemporary parenting research.
What does the term ‘intergenerational transmission of parenting’ refer to?
Parenting behaviours/styles passed down through generations (Van Ijzendoorn, 1992)
This concept highlights the continuity of caregiving styles from parents to children.
What factors can break negative parenting cycles?
Van Ijzendoorn (1992)
- Education
- Self-reflection
- Positive role models
- Social support
This suggests that change is possible despite past experiences.
What are the strongest predictors of positive intergenerational transmission of parenting?
Van Ijzendoorn, 1992
- Parental warmth
- Sensitivity
These factors are crucial for fostering secure attachments.
Fill in the blank: The theory that emphasizes the role of context in child development is called _______.
bioecological systems theory
Who were the 2 psychologists key in the development of parenting research?
G. Stanley Hall (1844-1924): 1st programme of family research, pioneered use of questionnaires
John B. Watson (1878-1958): Study of behaviour (Behaviourism), environment shapes a child’s developmental experience.
* Conditioning for learning → Little Albert
