Which parenting style is characterized by parents imposing rules and expecting obedience with little freedom for the child?

• A. Permissive
• B. Democratic
• C. Authoritarian
• D. Neglectful

Answer: (C)

The parenting style characterized by parents imposing rules and expecting obedience with little freedom for the child is known as authoritarian parenting. This style is marked by high demands and low responsiveness, where parents enforce strict guidelines and expect their children to follow them without questioning. Authoritarian parents often set clear expectations and rules, believing that their approach is necessary for developing discipline and respect.

Children raised in an authoritarian environment may learn to follow rules and conform to authority, but they may struggle with self-esteem and decision-making skills due to the lack of autonomy and limited opportunities for self-expression. This style contrasts with other parenting approaches, such as permissive, which allows for greater freedom and less parental control, democratic, which encourages discussion and shared decision-making, and neglectful, where parents are disengaged and uninvolved in their child's life.