Which group tends to have more authoritative parenting styles?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct choice indicates that middle class families tend to exhibit more authoritative parenting styles. Authoritative parenting is characterized by a balance of demandingness and responsiveness, where parents set clear standards and are supportive of their children's needs. This style is often associated with the values and resources available to middle class families, including greater access to education and an emphasis on fostering individuality and self-expression in children.

Middle class parents are more likely to engage in discussions with their children, promote independence while maintaining expectations, and seek to develop a communicative relationship. In contrast, lower class families might adopt more authoritarian or uninvolved styles due to stresses related to financial instability or less access to resources that support parenting strategies focused on emotional and developmental needs.

Understanding these dynamics is important in recognizing how socioeconomic factors influence parenting styles, shaping children's development in various ways.