Introduction

In many societies, parenting has traditionally been seen as the responsibility of women, while men were expected to fulfill the role of the primary breadwinner. This gendered division of labor has influenced societal norms and expectations regarding the roles that men and women play in child-rearing. While this division has been slowly changing over time, many cultural, social, and historical factors still perpetuate the belief that parenting is predominantly a woman’s responsibility. In this essay, we will explore the historical, cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of why parenting is still often seen as the responsibility of women, the roles men play in parenting, and the consequences of this gendered view.

Historical Foundations of Gendered Parenting Roles

The history of parenting roles is heavily intertwined with the socio-economic structures and cultural ideologies that have existed throughout human history. These factors shaped the division of labor between men and women, particularly within the family unit.

1. The Agrarian and Pre-Industrial Era

In ancient agrarian societies, the division of labor was largely based on physical strength and biological functions. Men, due to their greater physical strength, were tasked with roles involving hunting, farming, and protecting the family from external threats. Women, on the other hand, were responsible for domestic tasks, including food preparation, clothing production, and, crucially, child-rearing.

In these societies, women’s roles as caregivers were not just biological but practical. Childbirth and breastfeeding positioned women as the primary caregivers for young children. Men, however, were expected to provide the economic resources necessary for the survival of the family. This division was not only based on practicality but was also rooted in deeply entrenched social and religious beliefs that promoted a rigid gender hierarchy.

2. Religious and Cultural Influences

Religious doctrines, particularly those in Christianity, Islam, and other monotheistic religions, have historically supported the gendered division of labor. The notion of a “natural” division, with women as caregivers and men as providers, was reinforced by religious teachings.

  • Christianity: In the Christian tradition, the Bible often reinforces the patriarchal structure of society, where the man is viewed as the head of the household, and the woman as the nurturer. Biblical references to the roles of men and women in the family reinforced this division, with verses like Ephesians 5:22-24, which instructs wives to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ, and Proverbs 31, which highlights the virtues of women as homemakers.
  • Islam: Similarly, in Islamic societies, religious texts such as the Quran and Hadiths outline distinct roles for men and women. While both men and women are encouraged to care for their families, the Quran also places the responsibility of providing for the family on men, further reinforcing the gendered division of labor.

These religious structures not only influenced family life but also extended into broader societal norms, which established the foundation for the belief that women were naturally suited for parenting, while men were positioned outside the home as financial providers and protectors.

3. The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of the ‘Breadwinner-Homemaker’ Model

The Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries) further solidified the gendered division of labor, especially in Western societies. As men began to work in factories, businesses, and offices, their roles were seen as crucial to the economic stability of the family. This led to the development of the “breadwinner-homemaker” model, where men were expected to earn an income outside the home, while women remained in the domestic sphere, taking care of children and managing the household.

This new model, emerging in industrialized nations, was grounded in the belief that economic and caregiving roles were inherently gendered. Women, though sometimes contributing to family income through informal work or in the cottage industry, were primarily responsible for child-rearing, which was seen as their “natural” role. The notion that “real men” should work outside the home while “real women” should stay home and care for children became widespread, especially in post-Victorian Western societies.

Socialization and Gender Stereotypes in Parenting

The division of labor within the family is not only shaped by historical and economic structures but also by the socialization of children into traditional gender roles. From a very young age, children are taught what is “appropriate” for their gender, which influences their expectations about parenting.

1. Early Socialization

Children are socialized into gender roles through a variety of agents, such as family, peers, education, and media. Gendered toys, for example, play a significant role in this socialization process. Girls are often encouraged to play with dolls, kitchen sets, or stuffed animals—items that simulate caregiving roles. These toys teach girls the importance of nurturing and caretaking, reinforcing the idea that women are naturally suited to parenting.

Boys, on the other hand, are encouraged to engage in more active play with toys such as trucks, action figures, or sports equipment. This reinforces a social expectation that boys should be more independent, competitive, and oriented toward careers and public life rather than domestic responsibilities.

This gendered upbringing continues as children grow older. Boys are less likely to be encouraged to take on caregiving roles, whether through caring for siblings or engaging in household chores. In contrast, girls are often expected to help with chores or take on roles that involve taking care of younger children. This socialization reinforces the belief that women, through their natural caregiving roles, are better suited for the responsibilities of parenting.

2. Stereotypes About Gender and Parenting

Stereotypes about men and women’s emotional capabilities also play a crucial role in shaping societal beliefs about parenting. Women are often stereotyped as more nurturing, empathetic, and patient, while men are depicted as less capable of showing vulnerability or providing emotional care. These stereotypes influence how both men and women view their roles in parenting.

For instance, when fathers do take on caregiving responsibilities, they are often portrayed as “babysitting” rather than parenting. This trivializes their role and reinforces the idea that it is ultimately the mother’s responsibility to care for the child. Such stereotypes contribute to the belief that women are naturally better at parenting, especially in the emotional and caregiving aspects, while men’s role remains largely financial.

3. Media Representation

Media has long reinforced these gendered stereotypes, with depictions of mothers as loving, patient caregivers and fathers as detached, often bumbling figures who struggle with day-to-day parenting tasks. Popular television shows, advertisements, and movies often portray the father as the provider and the mother as the nurturer. This portrayal reinforces the societal expectation that women are naturally more suited to parenting.

Psychological and Biological Arguments

In addition to historical and cultural influences, psychological theories have also been used to justify the traditional gendered division of labor in parenting. These theories often draw on biological imperatives, particularly the roles of men and women in reproduction.

1. Evolutionary Psychology and Gendered Parenting

Evolutionary psychology posits that the division of labor in early human societies was shaped by biological imperatives. Women, due to their ability to bear children, were assigned the role of primary caregivers, while men were tasked with securing resources and protecting the family. This theory suggests that the nurturing role of women and the provider role of men were biologically hardwired and became deeply ingrained in society.

While these biological explanations may have made sense in pre-industrial societies, they have become less relevant in modern times, where societal structures and the roles of men and women have evolved. Despite this, the evolutionary psychology argument continues to influence public attitudes about the “natural” roles of men and women in parenting.

2. Attachment Theory and Parental Roles

Attachment theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby, highlights the importance of the early bond between a child and their primary caregiver, especially the mother. According to attachment theory, children develop emotional and psychological security through close, consistent caregiving. This theory has often been used to justify the idea that women are inherently better suited to be the primary caregivers, as they are more likely to form secure attachments with their children.

However, contemporary research in psychology has shown that fathers, when actively involved, can form equally strong attachments with their children. This challenges the notion that mothers are inherently more capable of providing emotional care, suggesting that the capacity for caregiving is not gender-specific but rather dependent on the emotional engagement and responsiveness of the parent.

Economic Structures and the Breadwinner-Homemaker Model

The persistence of gendered parenting roles is also linked to economic structures. The traditional model, where men work outside the home and women stay at home to care for children, is deeply rooted in capitalist economic systems.

1. Capitalism and the Gendered Division of Labor

In capitalist economies, the wage labor system has historically privileged men in the workforce, as they were often paid more than women. Women’s unpaid labor in the home, particularly child-rearing, was seen as a “natural” extension of their gender role. The economic value of caregiving work was often overlooked, with the assumption that women should perform these tasks without monetary compensation.

This economic structure reinforced the idea that men should focus on earning money while women took on the unpaid work of child-rearing. As women began entering the workforce in greater numbers, particularly in the 20th century, the traditional breadwinner-homemaker model began to shift. However, as we shall see in the following sections, the transition has been slow, and societal expectations around gender and parenting roles have not fully evolved.

Shifting Gender Roles and the Changing Landscape of Parenting

In recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of the need for more equitable parenting structures. Women’s increased participation in the workforce, changing social norms, and evolving family structures have all contributed to a reassessment of the traditional gender roles in parenting.

1. Challenges to the Traditional Family Model

Women’s increasing presence in the workforce has led to significant shifts in family dynamics. However, while women now occupy more professional roles, they are still expected to balance their career ambitions with the demands of parenting and domestic work. The concept of the “second shift” highlights the burden on women to do the majority of unpaid caregiving, even when they are employed full-time.

On the other hand, more men are taking an active role in parenting and household responsibilities. The rise of stay-at-home fathers, paternity leave, and shared domestic duties reflect a growing challenge to traditional gender roles. These changes indicate a broader shift toward more flexible and egalitarian approaches to parenting, where both men and women contribute equally.

2. The Role of Policy in Supporting Gender Equality in Parenting

Policy changes, such as paid parental leave, subsidized childcare, and workplace accommodations for parents, have helped to create more opportunities for men to participate in caregiving. In countries like Sweden and Norway, where gender equality in parenting is more widely accepted, policies that encourage shared caregiving have led to greater involvement from fathers in child-rearing.

However, in many countries, especially those with more traditional gender norms, these policies remain limited or non-existent. The lack of policy support continues to reinforce the belief that women are the primary caregivers, while men remain outside the home, focused on work.

The Islamic Perspective on Parenting

In Islam, parenting is viewed as a deeply important responsibility, one that is rooted in the core principles of justice, compassion, and mutual respect. Islam emphasizes that both mothers and fathers have significant roles in raising their children, and the faith offers guidance on the rights, duties, and moral responsibilities of parents towards their children. However, the responsibilities and roles of each parent—while complementary—are distinct, and the Quran and Hadith offer guidance on the shared responsibility of both mother and father in nurturing, educating, and guiding their children. Below is a detailed discussion of the Islamic perspective on parenting:

The Role of Parents in Islam

In Islam, the family is seen as the cornerstone of society, and parents are regarded as the primary guides for their children. The Quran and Hadith highlight the importance of good parenting, stressing the moral and spiritual development of children as a significant part of their upbringing.

1. Both Parents Have Rights and Responsibilities

The Quran and the Hadith stress the mutual responsibilities of both mothers and fathers in raising children. Although each parent has a unique role to play, the upbringing of children is considered a joint responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is often quoted as saying, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock” (Sahih Muslim). This means that both parents, regardless of their gender, are responsible for the well-being, upbringing, and education of their children.

2. Respect for Parents

In Islam, great emphasis is placed on respecting parents, particularly mothers, due to the sacrifices they endure during childbirth and the early years of a child’s life. The Quran states:
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him with hardship upon hardship, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination” (Quran 31:14).
This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the efforts of both parents, especially mothers, as they have a special place in Islam due to their role in childbearing.

However, both mothers and fathers are to be respected equally, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that parents are the primary means through which children learn about respect, discipline, and the moral values that are central to Islam.

3. Parental Roles and Gendered Responsibilities

Islamic teachings acknowledge that men and women have distinct but complementary roles within the family structure, including in the domain of parenting.

  • The Role of the Father: The father is often seen as the protector, provider, and guide for his family. Islam places significant responsibility on the father to ensure that his children receive proper moral and religious education, as well as material and financial support. In this way, fathers are seen as the guardians of the family, not only in terms of finances but also in maintaining the family’s moral and spiritual well-being.
    The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
    “It is enough sin for a man to neglect those whom he is responsible for.” (Sunan Abu Dawood).
    This highlights the father’s responsibility for the welfare and upbringing of his children.
  • The Role of the Mother: The mother is given a special place in Islam, as she bears the physical and emotional burden of childbirth and early childhood care. Islam recognizes the hardships mothers endure during pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing, and the rewards for a mother’s care and attention to her children are emphasized in the Quran and Hadith.
    The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
    “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.” (Sunan An-Nasa’i).
    This saying highlights the revered status of mothers in Islam and their crucial role in nurturing their children’s emotional and moral development.

While mothers are often seen as the primary caregivers, the father is not excluded from providing love, care, and discipline. The roles of the mother and father in raising children are complementary, and both are responsible for creating an environment of love, discipline, and mutual respect in the home.

Rights and Duties of Parents in Islam

Islam places clear duties and responsibilities on parents with respect to their children, while also outlining the rights of children. Both mothers and fathers are expected to fulfill their roles in a manner that is just, loving, and morally sound.

1. The Duty to Provide for Children

Parents are obligated to provide for their children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This includes ensuring that children have access to food, clothing, shelter, education, and emotional care. In addition, parents are responsible for providing religious education and guiding their children in understanding the teachings of Islam.

  • Material Support: Fathers have the primary financial responsibility for their children, and they must ensure that their family’s basic needs are met. This responsibility is central to the concept of guardianship in Islam, and the father is not only responsible for providing but also for ensuring that the family is treated with kindness and respect.
  • Spiritual Education: Both parents are responsible for the spiritual guidance of their children. This includes teaching them to pray, fast, give charity, and follow the moral teachings of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of instilling religious values in children from a young age, stating:
    “Teach your children to pray at the age of seven, and punish them for it at the age of ten.” (Sunan Abu Dawood).
    This Hadith illustrates the responsibility of both parents in guiding their children in matters of faith and moral behavior.

2. The Right to Love and Compassion

Islam emphasizes the importance of showing love, kindness, and affection toward children. Parents are urged to nurture their children with warmth, patience, and understanding. The Quran says:
“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'” (Quran 17:24).
This verse reflects the importance of showing humility, mercy, and respect in relationships, especially between parents and children.

Both mothers and fathers should demonstrate love and care for their children, creating an environment in which the children feel valued, safe, and respected. Harshness, neglect, or abuse is condemned in Islam, and parents are warned against mistreating their children. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed the importance of kindness, saying:
“The best of you are those who are the best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
While this particular Hadith refers to marital relationships, it can be extended to the relationship between parents and children, emphasizing the importance of kindness and gentleness in family life.

Discipline in Parenting

Islam recognizes the importance of disciplining children, but it emphasizes that discipline should be balanced with love and compassion. The goal of discipline is to help children grow into responsible, moral individuals who fear Allah (SWT) and understand their rights and duties.

1. The Importance of Teaching Moral Values

Islamic parenting involves guiding children in matters of faith, ethics, and personal conduct. The Quran and Hadith provide a framework for parents to teach their children to be honest, respectful, compassionate, and responsible. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you is responsible for his flock.” (Sahih Bukhari).
This Hadith reinforces the idea that parents must lead by example, showing integrity and moral conduct in their own actions.

2. Positive Reinforcement and Gentle Discipline

While physical punishment is permissible in Islam under very specific circumstances, the overall approach to discipline is one of gentleness and encouragement. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is described as a gentle and compassionate father, who never used physical punishment on his children but instead guided them with wisdom and kindness. He is quoted as saying:
“The merciful will be shown mercy by The Merciful. Be merciful on earth, and you will be shown mercy from above.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

In this context, Islam encourages parents to use positive reinforcement, guidance, and gentle reminders to foster good behavior. Parents are also encouraged to pray for their children’s well-being and guidance.

Gender Roles in Parenting in Islam

While Islam recognizes that mothers have a special role in early childhood care due to their biological responsibilities, the faith does not exclusively assign parenting to women. Both men and women have rights and responsibilities regarding the upbringing of children, and Islam encourages a balanced, cooperative approach to parenting.

1. Shared Responsibility

As discussed earlier, Islam assigns distinct roles to mothers and fathers, but these roles are complementary. The mother’s primary responsibility may be focused on nurturing and caregiving, especially in the early years, while the father’s responsibility includes providing financially, offering guidance, and ensuring the family’s well-being. Both parents, however, must work together to create a stable, loving, and nurturing environment for their children.

2. Equality in Value and Contribution

Although the roles may differ, both parents’ contributions are equally valued in Islam. Mothers are not seen as the sole caregivers, nor are fathers exempt from parenting duties. Islamic teachings highlight the importance of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in raising children. Both parents must collaborate to ensure their children grow up with strong moral values, compassion, and respect for the faith.

How Different Cultures Practice Parenting?

Parenting practices vary widely across different cultures, influenced by a combination of social, historical, economic, religious, and environmental factors. While the universal goals of parenting—raising children who are healthy, well-adjusted, and capable of contributing to society—remain similar, the methods, expectations, and roles assigned to parents can differ significantly across cultural contexts. Below is an exploration of how various cultures practice parenting, focusing on the key differences and similarities between cultural practices.

Western Parenting Styles

Western parenting styles, particularly those prevalent in countries like the United States, Canada, and much of Europe, tend to emphasize individualism, autonomy, and self-expression. The key characteristics of parenting in these cultures are:

1. Authoritative Parenting

In many Western countries, authoritative parenting—characterized by a balance of warmth and firm boundaries—is seen as the most effective approach. Parents are generally expected to engage in open communication with their children, encourage independence, and involve them in decision-making processes. The goal is to foster self-reliance, responsibility, and emotional intelligence.

  • Example: In the United States, parents often encourage children to express their feelings openly, make choices, and even negotiate rules. Independence is highly valued, and children are given more autonomy as they age.

2. Children’s Rights and Individualism

Western societies often emphasize the rights of children as individuals with their own opinions, feelings, and preferences. This is reflected in legal frameworks, educational systems, and family dynamics, where children are frequently encouraged to voice their opinions and are given more freedom in decision-making.

  • Example: In Sweden, children’s rights are legally protected, and parental authority is balanced with the child’s rights to participate in family discussions, express opinions, and influence family decisions.

3. Importance of Play and Learning

Western parenting typically emphasizes the importance of early childhood education, structured play, and fostering creativity. Parents invest considerable resources into their children’s extracurricular activities, education, and overall development, with the belief that these investments will ensure future success.

  • Example: In countries like the United States and the UK, parents often enroll children in various activities from a young age, such as sports, music lessons, or art classes, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals.

Eastern Parenting Styles

In many Eastern cultures, including those in East Asia (e.g., China, Japan, South Korea), Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Indonesia), and South Asia (e.g., India, Pakistan), parenting tends to emphasize collectivism, respect for authority, and family interdependence. These cultures often prioritize the family unit over individual desires and personal autonomy.

1. Authoritarian Parenting

In contrast to the authoritative style in the West, many Eastern cultures practice authoritarian parenting, which places high expectations on children’s obedience, discipline, and respect for authority. Parents are often more controlling, with the belief that strictness leads to success and security for the child.

  • Example: In China, the “tiger mom” approach is often highlighted in discussions about parenting, where parents set high academic expectations and exert control over their children’s choices, especially in terms of education.

2. Respect for Elders and Authority

Respect for elders and obedience to parental authority is central to many Eastern parenting practices. Children are taught from a young age to defer to their parents and elders, and maintaining family harmony is a significant cultural value.

  • Example: In Japan, children are encouraged to respect their parents and teachers, and the concept of filial piety (respect for parents and ancestors) is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric.

3. Emphasis on Education

In many Eastern cultures, academic achievement is seen as one of the most important goals of parenting. Parents often invest heavily in their children’s education, viewing academic success as a pathway to social mobility and family honor.

  • Example: In countries like South Korea, China, and India, there is an intense focus on academic performance, and children are often expected to excel in subjects like math, science, and languages from an early age.

4. Family Unity

In Eastern cultures, the family unit often functions as a collective, where children are expected to prioritize family needs over individual desires. Parenting often includes lessons about interdependence and supporting one another as a family.

  • Example: In India, many children live with their parents even after they reach adulthood, and the concept of joint families is common, where multiple generations live together and share responsibilities.

African Parenting Styles

Parenting practices in African cultures are diverse, given the continent’s vast cultural and ethnic differences. However, common themes such as strong family ties, community involvement, and respect for tradition are prevalent in many African cultures.

1. Collectivist Parenting

African parenting often involves a collective approach, with extended families, neighbors, and community members all playing an active role in raising children. This communal involvement extends to discipline, education, and emotional support, with the broader community contributing to a child’s growth.

  • Example: In many African communities, it is common for children to have multiple caregivers—such as grandparents, uncles, and aunts—who share in the responsibility of child-rearing.

2. Respect for Elders and Tradition

Similar to many Eastern cultures, African cultures place a strong emphasis on respect for elders and traditional customs. Children are expected to show deference to parents and authority figures, and the older generations are viewed as the main source of wisdom and guidance.

  • Example: In many African cultures, children are taught early to show respect through language, gestures, and behavior toward older family members. This includes using formal titles when addressing parents and elders.

3. Discipline and Obedience

Discipline is an essential component of parenting in many African cultures. Children are expected to respect their parents’ authority and follow rules without question. Harsh discipline, including physical punishment, is often used to instill obedience.

  • Example: In Nigeria, children are typically expected to be well-behaved, respectful, and disciplined. Physical punishment is sometimes seen as a necessary tool for ensuring that children grow up respectful and obedient.

4. Spiritual and Religious Instruction

Many African cultures, particularly in countries with strong religious traditions such as Christianity or Islam, emphasize the spiritual upbringing of children. Parents are expected to teach children religious practices, values, and moral conduct as part of their daily lives.

  • Example: In Ethiopia, Christian families often teach their children biblical stories and moral lessons from an early age, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and ethical living.

Indigenous Parenting Practices

Indigenous parenting styles vary across different tribes and communities but share a focus on community involvement, respect for nature, and the transmission of cultural knowledge.

1. Intergenerational Knowledge and Wisdom

Indigenous cultures often pass down parenting knowledge and cultural wisdom from one generation to the next. Elders play a significant role in teaching children traditional values, stories, and life skills.

  • Example: In Native American cultures, grandparents are often the primary caregivers, imparting knowledge about the tribe’s history, spirituality, and survival skills to the younger generation.

2. Connection to Nature

In many Indigenous cultures, children are taught to respect and live in harmony with nature. Parenting includes teaching children how to live sustainably and with respect for the environment.

  • Example: In Indigenous cultures of the Amazon rainforest, parents teach their children about the importance of the natural world, including the use of medicinal plants, hunting, and the balance of ecosystems.

3. Non-Punitive Discipline

Discipline in many Indigenous cultures tends to focus on guidance rather than punishment. Children are often treated as active participants in the community, and discipline is seen as a way to help children understand the consequences of their actions in a communal context.

  • Example: Among some Indigenous communities in Australia, children are gently corrected through storytelling and discussions, rather than through physical punishment.

Latino/Hispanic Parenting Styles

Latino and Hispanic cultures, particularly in countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Argentina, often combine elements of both collectivism and close family ties with an emphasis on respect, love, and nurturing.

1. Familismo (Family Focus)

Familismo, or the prioritization of family bonds, is a key value in Latino parenting. Parents are expected to protect, provide for, and show deep affection toward their children. The extended family—grandparents, aunts, uncles—often plays an important role in child-rearing.

  • Example: In many Latino families, children grow up with a strong sense of familial responsibility and support, where family is often seen as the central unit of life.

2. Respeto (Respect)

Respect for parents and elders is a fundamental part of Latino culture. Children are taught from a young age to respect authority figures and to behave in ways that reflect well on the family.

  • Example: In Mexican culture, children are often expected to use formal language and titles when addressing their parents and elders, as a sign of respect.

3. Protective Parenting

Latino parents are often described as more protective, with a strong emphasis on keeping children close and safe, both physically and emotionally. This can sometimes manifest in more authoritarian practices in terms of curfews, supervision, and expectations.

  • Example: In many Latino families, children may have stricter curfews and greater parental supervision, especially in their teenage years.

Conclusion

The gendered division of labor in parenting is deeply ingrained in history, culture, psychology, and economic structures. The belief that parenting is primarily the responsibility of women, while men are expected to work outside the home, reflects longstanding societal norms and stereotypes about gender roles. However, there is increasing evidence that these traditional roles are being challenged and redefined. As society continues to evolve, the roles of men and women in parenting are becoming more equitable, with shared caregiving responsibilities offering a more inclusive approach to raising children. Policy changes, evolving social attitudes, and shifting cultural norms all play a crucial role in breaking down these gendered barriers and ensuring that parenting is a shared responsibility rather than one based solely on gender expectations.

Parenting practices across cultures reflect diverse social, economic, and historical contexts. While all cultures strive for the healthy development of their children, the methods and expectations vary based on values such as respect for authority, the role of the family unit, the importance of education, and the balance between individualism and collectivism. Understanding these cultural variations provides valuable insights into how children are raised across the world and how parenting practices shape the future of societies.

SOURCES

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Epstein, J. L. (2001). School, family, and community partnerships: Preparing educators and improving schools. Westview Press.

Harkness, S., & Super, C. M. (2002). Culture and parenting. In M. H. Bornstein (Ed.), Handbook of parenting: Vol. 2. Biology and ecology of parenting (2nd ed., pp. 257–279). Lawrence Erlbaum.

Hsin, A., & Felfe, C. (2014). When does time matter? Maternal employment, children’s time with parents, and child development. Demography, 51(5), 1641-1666.

Lamb, M. E., & Lewis, C. (2013). The development and significance of father-child relationships in the early years. In M. E. Lamb (Ed.), The role of the father in child development (pp. 1–26). John Wiley & Sons.

Lareau, A. (2003). Unequal childhoods: Class, race, and family life. University of California Press.

McHale, S. M., & Crouter, A. C. (2003). The family context of parenting in children’s development: A decade of change. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 68(1), 100-109.

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Tamis-LeMonda, C. S., & Cabrera, N. J. (2002). Parenting and the child’s development in the context of family diversity. In M. H. Bornstein (Ed.), Handbook of parenting: Vol. 3. Being and becoming a parent (pp. 165-190). Lawrence Erlbaum.

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Current Version
December, 20, 2024

Written By
BARIRA MEHMOOD

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