The ANES Child Rearing Scale: Is It a Measure of Authoritarianism?

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the research reported in this paper is to determine the meaning of the scores yielded by an administration of the ANES Child Rearing Scale. Methods: An argument is developed that the CRS is scale is measuring “Autonomy versus Conformity”. In support of this claim, scores on the CRS scale for a national sample of United States adults are analyzed using Gutman scaling, correlation, factor, and regression analyses. The overall sample is divided into White respondents on one hand, and Black, Hispanic, and Asian-American respondents on the other on the basis of evidence that CRS scores have different meaning for White respondents in contrast to minority respondents. Results: The results point to the conclusion that the CRS is not a measure of authoritarianism for either White or minority respondents. The results are consistent with the alternative conjecture that the CRS is a measure of “Autonomy versus Conformity.” Results also point to the conclusion that the scores on the CRS have different meanings for White respondents on one hand and minorities on the other. It is concluded that White and minority respondents be treated separately when using the CRS. It is also argued-with supporting empirical evidence-that the CRS is actually measuring liberal/conservatism. Conclusion: It is concluded that the CRS scale is surplus to the analysis of individual differences in attitudes and behaviors with the possible exception of certain circumstances. *The data used for the research reported in this paper are drawn from the ANES 2016 time series study. All calculations were completed using Stata 13. Any errors are the responsibility of the author alone.