Applicability of Baumrind's parent typology to collective cultures: Analysis of cultural explanations of parent socialization effects

Abstract

This article reviews studies that have examined whether Baumrind's parenting styles are related to child outcomes similarly in cultures where independence is said to be emphasized versus cultures where interdependence is said to be emphasized. I present evidence showing that Baumrind's parenting styles have similar function in both collectivist and individualist cultures. Based on these studies, I argue against the claim of some researchers that authoritarian parenting is not detrimental or authoritative parenting beneficial to the development of young people in cultures that are said to emphasize interdependence. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be reached about the extent to which the culture construct explains child-rearing effects on child development. Future directions for research, which include the importance of identifying diverse forms of parenting within interdependent cultures so as to distinguish the influence of functional and dysfunctional forms of parenting on child outcomes, are suggested.