An Empirical Comparison of Potential Determinants of Parental Authority

Abstract

Four basic determinants of parental authority are suggested: (a) socialization of the child in acceptance of the superordinate nature of the position of parent; (b) socialstructural specification of the position of offspring; (c) the offspring's perceptions of the parent's ability and worthiness; and (d) availability of alternative relationships for the offspring. Hypotheses are tested using questionnaire data from 3,641 sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade students. Acceptance of parental authority is associated most strongly with offspring's perceptions of parental expertise and benefits received from parents. The findings suggest that the personal relationship between parent and offspring is an important determinant of parental authority.

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