STRAIGHT PARENTS' PERSPECTIVES REGARDING

AUTHORITATIVE AND AUTHORITARIAN PARENTING STYLES

FOR LGBTQIA+ CHILDREN IN MALABON CITY

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that refers to the diverse community of people who identify as

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, Asexual+, or a combination

of these identities. This community advocates for equality, civil rights, and social acceptance,

especially for children. According to Stonewall School (2017), children who are part of the

LGBTQIA+ feel safe, happy, and free when they feel valued and listened to. However, they may

feel isolated or alone due to not having the same experiences or feelings as their peers, and may

not have access to support and resources.

          Parenting style according to Srivastav (2020) is defined as the way in which a parent raises

their child has an impact on every aspect of the adolescent's development and way of life. It is

the combination of attitudes, behaviors, and strategies that parents use to interact with their

children and shape their development. Parenting styles can vary based on cultural norms,

personal beliefs, and the specific needs of individual children. Young people with parents who

do not use an authoritative approach are prone to wanting greater independence in their behavior,

but they may not have their desire fulfilled in a suitable manner. Parents who are warm and

responsive, but also firm and consistent in setting boundaries and expectations. They use positive

reinforcement and consequences to teach their children appropriate behavior. Children who
experiencing this kind of parenting style are less to experience a depression or anxiety (Dewar,

2020).

           On the other hand authoritarian is where parents who are strict, demanding, and

controlling, and who value obedience above all else. They often use punishment rather than

positive reinforcement to discipline their children. This can be the reason for a  children to stop

being open especially in their feelings. They experience negative parenting style that will can

cause a depression unlike the authoritative parenting style. It can worse the behavior of a

children or the relationship of both children and parents (Dewar, 2022).

           All in all, parents can influence their child's mental health and well-being by creating a

safe and supportive environment where their child feels accepted and valued for who they are.

Any style of parenting have a big impact of a children, negative or positive. Parents who are

struggling to support their LGBTQIA+ child may benefit from seeking out resources and support

from LGBTQIA+ organizations or mental health professionals.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to know and comprehend the perspectives of parents in Malabon City

regarding authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles for LGBTQIA+ children. This

investigation will be acknowledged by answering the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents according to:

1.1 Age

1.2 Location
 1.3 Gender

1.4 Group of parent

2. What are the perspectives of Malabonian parents regarding authoritative and authoritarian

parenting styles for LGBTQIA+ children?

3. What are the factors that affect the perspective of straight parents regarding authoritative and

authoritarian parenting style?

4. How these parenting styles affect the relationship of parents and LGBTQIA+ children?

Scope and Delimitations

This study attempts to understand how straight parents feel about the parenting styles

parents employ for their LGBTQIA+ children. The place chosen was Malabon City because it is

convenient to the researches. Fifteen (15) respondents (straight parents) between the ages of

thirty-five (35) to sixty (60) who dwell in Malabon City will be questioned for this research

regardless of whether they are permanent or temporary residents. The researcher will employ

interviews to collect and evaluate the data, which will be gathered through onsite interviews with

with part one (1) and two (2) open-ended questions. This study will therefore be restricted to

discovering about and understanding the perspectives of straight parents about parenting style of

their LGBTQIA+ children.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT THROUGHPUT OUTPUT

Profile of Straight Parents: Collecting 15 Straight Parents Straight Parents’

a. Age Perspective in Malabon City Perspectives

b. Gender using Convenience Regarding

c. Location Non-Probability Random Authoritative

d. Group of Parent Sampling and

a. Interviews Authoritarian

b. Questionnaire Parenting Styles

Which parenting style is best for LGBTQIA+

for children who identify as Children in

LGBTQIA+? Malabon City

1. Authoritative Parenting

Style

2. Authoritarian Parenting

Style

This paradigm demonstrates how a study would be conducted in order to achieve the research's

objective. The researcher will examine the straight parents by their age, gender, locality, and

perspective regarding the topic. The study will employ convenience non-probability random

sampling to choose participants in order to collect the data. Also, an interview and questionnaire

will be used that contains various perspectives of straight parents. A phenomenological method
will also be used as part of the research design in order to accomplish the study's objectives.

Lastly, the output block produced the title of the study.

Theoretical Framework

Family Systems Theory

Family System Theory can shed light on the parenting practices of parents whose kids

identify as LGBTQIA+. According to the family system theory, families are interdependent

systems where each member has a bearing on how the family as a whole functions. Thus, when a

child comes out as LGBTQIA+, it can have an effect on the entire family system and may

necessitate changing the way parents raise their children.

In their parenting roles, parents of LGBTQIA+ children may face particular difficulties,

such as addressing their child's identity, navigating potential societal discrimination, and

controlling their own emotional responses. According to the Family System Theory, parents can

modify their parenting techniques to foster a nurturing environment for their kids in response to

these difficulties.

For instance, in order to meet their child's needs and uphold a healthy sense of family,

parents might need to adopt a more accommodating parenting style. To better understand their

experiences and offer the right support, they might also need to be open with their child. In order

to navigate these difficulties, parents may also benefit from looking for outside assistance, such

as counseling or LGBTQIA+ support groups.

 According to Family System Theory, parents of LGBTQIA+ children may find it

advantageous to modify their parenting approach in order to foster a loving and accepting home

environment. Parents can take action to maintain good relationships and give their child the

support they require by being aware of the impact their child's identity has on the family system.

Attachment Theory

Parents of children who identify as LGBTQIA+ can learn from attachment theory about

how to raise their kids. According to attachment theory, a child's emotional and social

development depends greatly on their relationship with their parents. Parenting style has an

impact on the quality of this attachment, which can affect the child's self-esteem, emotional

control, and capacity for developing healthy relationships.

In order to maintain a secure attachment with their child, parents of LGBTQIA+ children

may face particular difficulties. For example, they may need to deal with their child's coming

out, potential discrimination and stigma, and the child's identity development. According to

attachment theory, parents who feel a strong attachment to their child are more likely to foster an

environment that is accepting of their child's identity.

Warmth, sensitivity, and responsiveness to the child's needs are qualities that secure

attachment is characterized by, along with setting reasonable limits and boundaries. When

raising an LGBTQIA+ child, a secure attachment may entail defending the child's rights,

validating their identity, and offering emotional support. Even in the presence of external

stressors or difficulties, parents who feel securely attached to their child are more likely to

uphold a positive relationship with them.

 However, parents who find it difficult to maintain a secure attachment with their

LGBTQIA+ child may engage in a number of unhelpful parenting techniques, such as rejection,

disapproval, or excessive protection. These parenting practices may result in adverse effects for

the child, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

In conclusion, according to attachment theory, the strength of the bond between a parent

and child is crucial for the wellbeing of children who identify as LGBTQIA+. Parents can create

a supportive and accepting environment for their child's identity development by implementing a

parenting style that encourages a secure attachment. The child's identity may need to be

confirmed, emotional support may be given, and their rights may need to be fought for.

Significance of the Study

The purpose of this study is to provide information and knowledge about the selected

subject, and the findings will be very helpful to the following:

Parents, the provide information will give the parents some idea of how the parenting

style can help them to better understand their children and help them recognize other parenting

style.

LGBTQIA Children, this study will increase children knowledge of alternative parenting

styles thy might encounter and raise their awareness for the many parenting styles that parents

employ.
 Readers, the study 's generalization might be very helpful in expanding our understanding

of parents and children or providing insight into parenting practices for kids who desire to be

LGBTQIA+.

Future Researchers, this study provides information, tools, and ideas about the parenting

style of straight parents for upcoming researcher. The material that has been presented can be

used to increase awareness and knowledge.

Definition of Terms

Asexual - Umbrella term for those to tend not to have a sexual desire towards others; asexuals

may experience romantic attraction and engage in sexual behavior.

Authoritarian Parenting - Is extremely strict. Parents expect kids to follow the rules with no

discussion or compromising.

Authoritative Parenting - The parents are nurturing, responsive and supportive, yet set firm

limits for their children. They attempt to control children's behavior by explaining rules,

discussing, and reasoning.

Bisexual - The potential to be sexually attracted to people of more than one sex and/or gender,

not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, and to the same degree.

Dwell - Live in or at a specified place.

Gay - One who has significant sexual attraction primarily to members of the same gender or sex,

or who identifies as a member of the gay community typically associated with men.

Intersex - A general term used for variety of bodies in which a person is born with reproductive

or sexual anatomy that does not fit into the sex binary.
Lesbian - A woman who has a significant attraction, primarily to members of the same gender,

or who identifies as a member of the lesbian community.

LGBTQIA+ - An acronym used to signify Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer,

Intersex, and Asexual people collectively.

Parenting Styles - Defined as a constellation of parents attitudes and behaviors toward children

and an emotional climate in which the parents' behavior are expressed.

Queer - reclaimed derogatory slang by many who reject gender and sexual binaries. Also used as

a political identity by many who want to dismantle oppressive systems in society.

Straight Parents - Straight is a colloquial term for heterosexual persons. Person who are

physically and emotionally attracted to persons of the opposite sex is called heterosexual person.

Transgender - Umbrella term for those whose gender expression or identity is not congruent

with the sex assigned at birth and/or whose gender is not validated by the dominant culture.

References

Dewar, G. (2022). Parenting Styles and Parent–Adolescent Relationships: The Mediating Roles
of Behavioral Autonomy and Parental Authority,
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02187/full

Dewar, G. (2022). The Authoritative Parenting Style: An Evidence-Based Guide,

https://parentingscience.com/authoritative-parenting-style/

Freud, (1926). Mother Baby Attachment, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-

the.

Lang, D. (2017). Family Systems Theory - Parenting and Family Diversity Issue,
https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/parentingfamilydiversity/chapter/the-family-systems-theory/
#:~:text=The%20Family%20Systems%20Theory%20assumes,a%20known%20purpose%2

South Dakota State University, 2023, LGBTQIA+ Basic Terms and Definitions,
https://www.sdstate.edu/office-multicultural-affairs-accessibility/lgbtqia-basic-terms-and-
definitions#:~:text=LGBTQIA%2B%3A%20An%20acronym%20used,member%20of%20the
%20lesbian%20community.