AUTHORITARIAN FAMILY AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

An authoritarian family is a social group whose fundamental structure is “a vertical authority”. This means that the family nucleus is governed by hierarchies, where the father is generally the head of the family and is the one who designates tasks and establishes punishments and regulations.

In the sixties there was an expansion of authoritarianism in the Western world, due to the rejection of children of their parents' lifestyle (sacrifice and hard work throughout their lives).

Family nucleus

Therefore, the children adopted rebellious and debauched behaviors that were not accepted by the parents. So they were forced to adopt a position of tax authority.

Characteristics of authoritarian families

Order

The main characteristic of authoritarian families is "The order." Authoritarianism is based on the control of the entire family nucleus so that there is order and the family structure remains stable.

Vertical structure

The family structure is "vertical", it is governed by hierarchies. In traditional family nuclei, the father is the one who has the highest hierarchy, therefore, he is the one who establishes the norms of the family nucleus and imposes the punishments to those who violate them.

The mother is next in command. However, psychological studies show that the mother tends to be more flexible than the father.

This is because the authoritarian system generates rejection of the children towards their parents. So the mother, in an attempt to preserve the affection of the children, tends to be more permissive.

Children are next in line, with the older one being the one who must control and care for his younger siblings.

Generally, the eldest son (especially if he is a man) is the one who receives the greatest burden and is brought up to be the next in command.

Little flexibility

Education is rigid and inflexible, so that children cannot express their opinions. There is repression regarding sexuality and it is difficult to talk about this issue.

On the other hand, authoritarian families do not allow the development of human culture because it is considered harmful to the family nucleus.

Children, in the future, can only develop in social and economic environments where exploitation or domination are the fundamental basis.

Possible abuse

Physical abuse could be presented as a punishment measure, but there are periods of harmony.

Negative consequences of authoritarianism on children

-Develops rigid and inflexible people who hardly adapt to an environment different from the one they already know.

-No respect for parents is developed, but fear.

-Children are prone to mental health pathologies, as well as physical health.

-Children appear to be obedient at home, but in reality they tend to be irresponsible and aggressive outside the family environment.

-They may develop criminal behaviors and be prone to drug use.

-They do not think for themselves or make their own decisions. This could affect academic performance, work relationships and romantic relationships in the future.

Other types of families

-Authoritative or democratic.

-Permissive.

-Absent.

-Progressive.

-Violent.

-Rigid.

References

1. Baumrind, D. Effects of Authoritative Parental Control in Child Behavior. California: University of California.
2. Cabodevilla, MA (1998). The great trip: Psychology topics for the family. Editorial Abya Yala.
3. Elshtain, JB (1991). Democratic Authority and The Family. The Public Perspective, 26-27.
4. López, EM (2000). Family and society: an introduction to the sociology of the family. Rialp editions.
5. Madi, I. (2012). Creativity and the child.
6. Olivar, RR (2016). Couple and family psychology: analysis and optimization. Barcelona: Autonomous University of Barcelona.
7. web, A. d. (November 24, 2015). Authoritarian parents: negative consequences for children's behavior. Retrieved on August 16, 2017, from Aletheia: problemadeconducta.pe.