Parenting Values and Practices Across Post-Communist Societies in Youth Identity Formation: A Literature Review

Abstract

This chapter reviews the literature analyzing whether and how post-communism transition has transformed parenting values and practices and how these changes might have had an impact on youth identity formation. In total 16 studies conducted in 9 EU post-Soviet countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Romania) were analyzed. This review provides information about similar and different patterns of parental values and practices and identity formation in youth among post-Soviet EU countries in comparison with Western countries. Results showed similarities and differences in parental values and practices and identity formation in adolescents and youth among these countries and compared to Western countries. Similarities among parental values were found, where parents’ value orientation is toward collectivism and interdependence; however in regard to parenting practices, parental support and control had different effects in different countries analyzed in this review. Differences between identity in exploration and commitment as well as in identity styles (informational versus normative styles) emerged in EU post-Soviet studies. Understanding the psychological mechanism between parenting values, dimensions and youth identity can be of great value in providing support and developing programs to the needs of parents and youth in transitional societies in EU.