Soc in the Fam Chapter 11: Parenting
Mothering as an Identity
"Good Mother"=Definition depends on the elements of Social Construction Identity-What it means to be a mother
Absent Father
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Father as the Moral Teacher
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Results of Each Style of Parenting
Authoritarian- Dependent, Conformist Children More common among working class, racial, ethnic, and immigrant families Authoritative- Independent in child; Creative-for solving problems; Low likelihood of delinquent behavior; More common among working class, racial, ethnic, and immigrant families Permissive- Children being immature and irresponsible Indifferent- Higher likelihood of impulsive , delinquent children Divorce can change the parenting style
Which parenting style is the best for children? Worst for children?
Authoritative is the best for child development Indifferent is the worst type of parenting
Father as a Gender Role Model for Children
Both Boys and Girls
Parenting Styles:Parental Control/Limit
Disciplining; overall parental expectations towards kids
How is Fatherhood a Social Construct
Elements: Society-India-baby is put at the foot of the father; if baby was picked up-father was genetically the father; if not the baby would be rejected Historical Changes- Next Slide Social Location-Based on Race; Ethnicity & Social Class
Aloof and Distracted Father
Emotionally Distant- Distracted Father by Work
Parental Roles: Social Construction
Expectations of who is a good mother or father Social Construction=Good Mother or Good Father
Mothering
Expectations related to mothering- Always Changing Influenced by the concept of=Motherhood Mystique Motherhood-Idealized Blood Mothers; Other Mothers-not birth mothers--a significant person relevant as a birth mother- a grandmother *This is seen in African American and Latino families Providing as a part of mothering-Working Class-Economically Providing Motherhood as a symbol of Power-Native American families
Father as the Breadwinner
Extra hours at work
Social Location
Groups within a society; A good mother is based on Race, Ethnicity, Social Class
Consequences of Motherhood Mystique
Guilt among mothers - Ex.When having to work or take care of business Does not match the relaity of mothers lives Mothers blamed for everything that goes wrong Helps mantian women's traditional gender roles Women are choosing to drop out of work=sustains the social expectations of traditional women
Historical Changes of Father
Historical Changes-Role has changed historically Earliest Notions Pre-Industrialization-Father=Teacher Since Industrialization- Instrumental Role-Task and Goal Oriented and Provider Role
Historical Times
In 1800s, upper class women used wet nurses and did not breastfeed. Female infanticides hired a servant to breast feed the child
Father as an Active, Nurturing Parent
Increase in fulltime dads -Job of a mother -Doing the activity of "mothering:
Society
India infanticides (death of a child) that the mother did is looked at as good thing and considered being a good mother Females are not very fond of society
Ambiguous Loss: Who experiences it ?
Mass Incarceration- Extreme increased rates of imprisonment Ambiguous (in-between) loss of father and children African Americans
How does family instability impact children? Positively or Negative?
Negative Impact Family Instability-Increased cohabitation, divorce, single parent households
Parenting Styles: Parental Support
Nurturing; How willing is the parent to listen to their child
Is the sexuality of the child being raised in a gay and lesbian family influenced by thier family?
Overall issues, very similar to heterosexual parents Have to deal with homophobia in society Children being raised in gay & lesbian families and no different from children in heterosexual families Does not impact the sexuality of children
Parenting Style: Permissive "Lots of Love" No limits or control
Parental Support: High Parental Control: Low Examples: You can borrow the car whenever
Pareting Style: Authoritarian "Dictatorian"
Parental Support: Low Parental Control:High Examples:Rules and Controls "Tough Love" You cannot borrow the car
Parenting Style: Indifferent
Parental Support: Low Parental Control:Low Examples: I dont care what you do just don't bother me
Pareting Style: Authoritative "Democracy" "Limits and Supports"
Parental Support:High Parental Control:High Examples:Lots of rule but a lot of support A lot of negotiation You can borrow the car after you go pick up your brother
Assumptions of Motherhood Mystique
Ultimate fulfillment of women is through motherhood- Accomoplished after giving birth or having the role of a mother Mothers are the best providers, for all needs of their child Exclusive attention of a mother is good for the child
Social Factors that Prevent Parents from Doing their Job
Unemployment- Increased Depression, Emotional Distress Mass Incarceration- Extreme increased rates of imprisonment Ambiguous (in-between) loss of father and children African Americans Time Apart- Not a complete loss of father Family Instability-Increased cohabitation, divorce Diverse family forms existing today Single parent households US & Sweden
Movie:Our House
Yes it does show how good parenting has changed It supports Social Construction of Parental (good mother; good father)