Question

Which of the following is an example of an authoritarian parenting style?
(A) A parent who is cold and rejecting
(B) A parent who is warm and supportive
(C) A parent who sets few rules or limits with explanation
(D) A parent who enforces strict rules without explanation
(E) A parent who is permissive and indulgent
(F) A parent who encourages children to make their own decisions
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• (A) and (D) only
• (B) and (C) only
• (E) and (F) only
• (B) and (D) only

Hint:

Remember the differences between the two similarly named parenting styles:
- Authoritarian = Like a dictator (strict rules, low warmth, " obedience").
- Authoritative = Positive and supportive (balanced rules, high warmth, open communication).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Diana Baumrind defined four primary parenting styles based on two dimensions: demandingness (control) and responsiveness (warmth).
These styles are: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the characteristics of the Authoritarian parenting style:
Authoritarian parenting is defined by high demandingness and low responsiveness.
Parents using this style establish strict, rigid rules and expect unquestioning obedience.
They offer little emotional warmth, support, or verbal dialogue.
Let us match the given statements to this style:
- Statement (A): "A parent who is cold and rejecting"
This represents low responsiveness and warmth, which is a key characteristic of the authoritarian style.
- Statement (B): "A parent who is warm and supportive"
This represents high responsiveness, which is characteristic of authoritative or permissive parenting.
- Statement (C): "A parent who sets few rules or limits with explanation"
This describes permissive or authoritative variants, not authoritarian.
- Statement (D): "A parent who enforces strict rules without explanation"
This represents high demandingness and low responsiveness, often using the rationale "because I said so."
This is a classic hallmark of authoritarian parenting.
- Statement (E): "A parent who is permissive and indulgent"
This describes the permissive parenting style.
- Statement (F): "A parent who encourages children to make their own decisions"
This describes authoritative or permissive parenting, which supports autonomy.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statements (A) and (D) represent the authoritarian parenting style.
This corresponds to Option (A).