Parenting and SES: relative values or enduring principles?

Abstract

The quality of parenting is a complex and multiply determined construct that is strongly influenced by the larger ecological context in which it evolves. A substantial body of literature has documented associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and parenting but has been limited in its consideration of factors that may explain or moderate the nature of this relation. The socioeconomic conditions within which a family lives may powerfully influence parenting through its effects on parental mental health and via differential access to resources. Parents’ childrearing knowledge and cultural values may also vary along a socioeconomic gradient, with downstream effects on parenting. Further, both socioeconomic factors and parenting can independently shape children’s health and development. A more comprehensive understanding of linkages between SES and parenting may inform preventive intervention efforts to support families from disadvantaged environments.

Comparing adolescent and parent reports of externalizing problems: A longitudinal population‐based study

“…(), we found that younger maternal age and lower SES (age 14 only) were linked to parent‐only report of clinical behaviour. This may reflect SES differences in what behaviour is considered appropriate or may reflect differences in social capital in disadvantaged families where parenting knowledge, parent–child communication, and time spent with children may influence parent ratings (Roubinov & Boyce, ). Finally, in older adolescents only, poor family functioning predicted parent‐only report of problems (unadjusted), concordant with studies showing higher family distress, poor parent–child relationships, and parental disinterest predict discrepancy (Ferdinand et al ., ; Treutler & Epkins, ; Van Roy et al ., ).…”

Adapting to the changing needs of adolescents: parenting practices and challenges to sensitive attunement

“…Parents’ abilities to adapt their practices to the adolescents’ characteristics and changing developmental needs may also be reduced by their exposure to both current and past stressful events 49 , to stress created by economic disadvantage 50 , and to the demands experienced by single parents 51 . Parent’s own exposure to early contextual adversity 52 , may effectively undermine their ability to serve as an adolescent’s caregiver 53 . In these contexts, adolescents may seek alternative adult caregivers or adopt early reproductive strategies as a way of transitioning into adult roles.…”

Assessing community readiness for early intervention programmes to promote social and emotional health in children

“…Whilst research has been predominantly concerned with individual and family influences, parenting and children's social and emotional health are also impacted by neighbourhood factors. Neighbourhood poverty can impede the quality of parenting . Issues that stem from living in a highly deprived neighbourhood include increased stress and higher numbers of lone parent households with subsequent pressures on parental time .…”