Correct Answer: conformity
social class significantly influences parenting styles and the values emphasized in child-rearing. parents from different socioeconomic backgrounds tend to prioritize different attributes and skills in their children, based on the economic resources, prestige, and privileges associated with their social class. this difference is shaped by the practical needs of the family's socioeconomic position and the parents' aspirations for their children's future.
parents with lower socioeconomic status (ses) often emphasize conformity and obedience in their parenting style. this preference is largely driven by the economic and social realities that these families face. lower ses is frequently associated with jobs that have less autonomy and require adherence to strict rules and procedures, such as positions in manufacturing or service industries. as a result, parents in these groups often prioritize values that will help their children succeed in similar work environments. they tend to emphasize the importance of following rules, fitting in with societal expectations, and respecting authority.
the emphasis on conformity is also a pragmatic response to the limited resources available in lower ses families. these families may experience higher levels of stress due to financial insecurity, which can lead to a greater emphasis on immediate obedience and conformity as a way to maintain order and predictability in family life. additionally, neighborhoods with higher concentrations of lower ses families may face more social challenges, such as crime or limited access to quality education, prompting parents to stress conformity and caution as a means of protection.
in contrast, parents from middle and upper socioeconomic groups often have access to greater economic resources and job security, and they are more likely to hold jobs that require initiative, critical thinking, and leadership skills. consequently, these parents are more inclined to emphasize independence, assertiveness, and self-direction in their children. they encourage traits that are valued in professional and managerial settings, where autonomy and decision-making are key components of success.
this divergence in parenting goals between different socioeconomic groups underscores the complex ways in which economic conditions and social expectations influence the transmission of values and behaviors across generations. each set of values has its roots in the socio-economic realities of the families, and serves to prepare children for the challenges and opportunities they are likely to encounter based on their family’s socioeconomic status. this leads to a perpetuation of certain skills and attitudes that align with the economic roles often occupied by members of different social classes.
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