Views On Abortion: Do Parents' Opinions Shape Children?
Start writing a post
Parents

The Abortion Debate Made Me Question How Parents Affect Children's Political Beliefs

Parents aren't the end all be all when it comes to political alignment.

233
The Abortion Debate Made Me Question How Parents Affect Children's Political Beliefs

It's a political theory that people in the same family share the same political beliefs. Parents who exhibit strong political beliefs are more likely to subliminally push their ideals onto their children, while it's a free for all for children whose parents don't really share their beliefs. How close the child is to their parent also plays a large role. The sense of belonging is a human need and we try our best to fit in with others by mirroring the beliefs of the people around us.

I see this theory come into play in the lives of my friends and even my own.

My friend's parents are Republican, but not to the extent where they talk about politics every day. We'll call this friend Julie. Julie is very close to her parents since she's an only child and they have similar hobbies and opinions. Unsurprisingly, she also is a Republican. That didn't really come as a shock to me since Julie has no siblings to influence her to believe in a different party. Then I thought about how siblings play a role.

My other friend (we'll call him Richie) is one of seven siblings and his family is all over the political spectrum. His parents are also Republicans and so is he. His sister is a strong Democrat, which confused me for a moment. Then he said that his sister spends more time with her friends than she does at home which made everything come together. She's more likely to align herself with the people she spends the most times with.

Parents aren't the end-all, be-all when it comes to political alignment.

Personally, my parents don't really talk about politics. They don't really keep up with all the news and are more involved with the politics in our home country (which is also a mess) than American politics. They're Republicans and I didn't know that until the 2016 elections. Ever since then, I tried my best not to talk about politics with them since I know it'll just end up in a huge argument, but with all the abortion reforms in the news talking about it was inevitable. I wasn't surprised when they said they were pro-life. The Philippines is an extremely religious country and being a Republican just pushed them more towards the pro-life side. Since my parents didn't really share their political beliefs, it was a coin toss to which party I would side with. I personally see myself as a Democrat and pro-choice. Talking about the abortion laws passed in Alabama was an eye-opener for me. It took a lot for me to try to understand their side on the laws passed, but I just couldn't. It made me realize that we don't always have to come to a compromise in relation to arguments.

Although it would be nice to be able to agree, politics just doesn't work that way.

Personally, I was extremely disappointed with what was happening in Alabama. I felt that gun control should've been the issue that the government should be focused on and not abortion. Making abortion illegal just forces the women to go to other states or do it unsafely which is just a detriment in general. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and it's fine to disagree, but understanding the other side makes your argument better. If you want to help Planned Parenthood, here's a link that will show you how.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57683
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37180
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958890
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191759
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments