Politics Linked To Parenting Styles?
Start writing a post
Politics

Politics Linked To Parenting Styles?

When early experiences with your parents can shape the way you perceive politics

274
Politics Linked To Parenting Styles?

What if I told you there was a reason behind why two Republican parents could raised a child that would become a democrat. Sounds weird, right? Its common place for children to share similar political affiliations because that's what their parents infused in them. Even sitting in a college level American Politics class, professionals say that political affiliations develop while you're young due to exposure to a certain belief.

I am a democrat and I have two republican, but not super hardcore, parents. How did this happen? It could've been because my grandmother, a democrat, talked politics with me even before I could form my own educated opinions. However, some new research may say otherwise.

You see, I grew up in a very relaxed home when it came to rules. My parents were compassionate and kind, and not really that strict. My mother would argue that they didn't need to be too strict with my brother and I because we were good kids. Could I have developed a democratic mentality because of the way I was raised? Some new research would say: Yes.

If you follow my articles, you know that I've been listening to podcasts lately; particularly, on the subject of Psychology.

One I've been listening to is from NPR called "Hidden Brain" hosted by Shankar Vedantam.

This particular episode was exploring the link between parenting styles and political affiliations in the United States.

Disclaimer: This doesn't mean this applies to everyone in their beliefs. Everyone is different. However, this finding was significant because of the correlation between parenting and political views.

The significant difference between Democrats and Republicans is, yes, the difference on every opinion under the sun, but also the phrases they use.

The metaphor they used in the podcast was America is a family. And Democrats and Republicans have differences in opinion on how the family should work. Therefore, both opinions of this family use different sentiments and phrases.

This was presented by George Lakoff, a cognitive linguist, who noticed the sentiment differences between Democrats and Republicans in relation to their views on how families should be run.

The "strict father/ parent model" are those parents that are cautious and untrusting when it comes to society. It supports the idea of tough love and the "father" or parent figure knows best. In this model, competition is a positive thing and winning in a competition equals strength and fortitude. These parents believe what is good is what is strong.

Sound familiar? Sounds like the messages about strength and tough love that Republicans have been using for decades.

Nurturing Parent, or empathetic parents, have the perspective that children will be good and healthy is they are empathetic. It is their job to make sure the children have the tools they need to be self fulfilled. These types want to make sure that others have the tools they need to fulfill needs.

Sound familiar? These are aspects Hillary Clinton have been pushing since she announced her candidacy.

"You are first governed in your family," Lakoff said.

Therefore, there is a possibility that the way you were raised could shape the way you see politics later on in life.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

43335
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

117229
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments