The Effects of Favoritism among Teenagers

Author: 蘇亭之

Course: The Bible as literature

Instructor: 張淑君

Date: 1/4/2021

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 Table of Contents
I. Introduction................................................................................................ 3
II. Methodology ............................................................................................... 4
II.1 Research Design ............................................................................... 4
II.2 Data Collection ................................................................................. 4
II.3 Data Analysis .................................................................................... 4
III. Results & Discussion ................................................................................. 5
III.1 Teenagers’ attitude toward favoritism ........................................ 5
III.2 Causes and Effects ........................................................................ 5
III.3 Aftermaths of favoritism in the Bible, Old Testament .............. 6
III.4 Biblical view .................................................................................. 7
III.5 How to avoid favoritism ............................................................... 8
IV. Conclusion .................................................................................................. 9

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I. Introduction
"We all know that Vrak was my father's favorite. My brother always hogged

all the glory!" It’s a classic line from a children TV series called Megaforce.

However, in reality, playing favorite has been an important issue at all times.

Based upon a survey carried out by Child Welfare League Foundation, 36 percent

of the teenagers concern about parental favoritism while 67 percent experienced

anxiety when their parents compare them to others, revealing that favoritism

problems have widely spread to young generation (Feng, 2013). The survey also

indicated that parental favoritism might have an adverse impact on children, such

as evoking a sense of inferiority. I discussed the topic of favoritism with my

classmates. They claimed that although loving them very much, their parents still

have a tendency towards one kid. Meanwhile, another one will be neglected,

which demonstrated how favoritism has changed our life gradually. The ignored

child will have a chip on his or her shoulder owing to lack of care, which can

bring about depression when the child can’t endure any more. There are many

different types of favoritism, but this research focused on family favoritism in

the Bible and explored how favoritism could affect our daily life. This study

aimed to discuss the following research questions. How do the teenagers feel

about favoritism? What causes the issue of favoritism among teenagers? What

are some effective ways to avoid favoritism among family members? The data

in this paper is drawn from two main sources. Firstly, I looked for information

online with a view to validating the hypothesis. Some periodicals were also used

for references. Secondly, six teenage participants interviewed were asked to

express their opinions about favoritism. This paper explores the topic of family

favoritism in the Bible and its impact on daily life, particularly on teenagers. The

study investigates the causes of favoritism among family members, the adverse
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effects it has on ignored children, and effective ways to avoid favoritism. The

research draws on data from online sources and interviews with six teenage

participants, aiming to provide insight into the issue of favoritism and promote

healthy family relationships.

II. Methodology

II.1 Research Design

This study adopts a mixed-methods research design to comprehensively

investigate the effects of favoritism among teenagers. The research combines

qualitative data obtained through interviews with teenage participants and

quantitative data derived from online sources and existing literature.

II.2 Data Collection

II.2.1 Qualitative Data
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six teenage participants

who have experienced favoritism within their families. The interviews aimed to

capture their perspectives, experiences, and emotions regarding favoritism.

Participants were selected through purposeful sampling, ensuring diversity in

terms of age, gender, and family backgrounds.

II.2.2 Quantitative Data

Online sources, including scholarly articles, journals, and reputable websites,

were extensively searched to gather data related to the causes and consequences

of favoritism among teenagers. This approach ensured a comprehensive review

of the existing literature on the topic.

II.3 Data Analysis

Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the interview transcripts. The

process involved familiarizing with the data, generating initial codes, identifying

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themes, and refining the themes through iterative review and discussion. This

approach allowed for the identification of recurring patterns, key concepts, and

insights related to the effects of favoritism.

III. Results & Discussion

III.1 Teenagers’ attitude toward favoritism
During the interview, every teenager suggested that they suffer from

favoritism in various aspects. Aside from that, they know which child is their

parents’ favorite even if most of their parents tried to treat each child equally.

Some of the participants even mentioned that they were eaten up with jealousy

when receiving unfair treatment. Some said that their parents preferred one child

apparently. They tended to keep away from their parents and avoid their parents

like the plague, which can ruin the parent-children relationship.

III.2 Causes and Effects

In the classroom, school achievements is a determining factor that can affect

teacher’s attitude toward students (Urhahne, 2015). Most of the teachers tend to

play favorites among the competent students having a superior academic

performance and neglect those who is discourage and unwilling to participate in

class, which can provoke a poor performance and limit students’ potential.

Teacher’s differential treatment to students is associated with student’s morale in

the classroom. In classrooms where there are just few teacher’s pets, students

will foster higher morale and become more motivated to learn (Babad & Elisha,

1995).

In addition to the favoritism at school, family favoritism is also a common

issue among teenagers. In accordance with Susan Newman, a social psychologist,

playing favorites among parents and children may result from the children’

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temperament or behavior. Dr. Newman also suggested that it is crucial to feel the

way to your children as you think. Additionally, some parents take it out on the

unfavored children by chance, and the child who is unfavored by his or her

parents might internalize a sense of inferiority compared to others. Another

problem just emerged when it comes to romance. The unfavored children often

entertain the thought that they don’t deserve the person they love. That is, it is

difficult for them to confess their love to someone. As for the favored children,

they are more likely to be depressed since they have to spend extra time flattering

their parents, which makes them lose themselves easily (Bluethmann, 2020).

Nevertheless, there is still an advantage. According to Dr. Libby, the favorite

children often have a stronger confidence and become more courageous to

challenge new things, for they believe that their parents can be their biggest

supporters. Hence, those who are favored can take the bull by the horns while

encountering difficulties. Through challenges, they can refine themselves

without hesitations.

III.3 Aftermaths of favoritism in the Bible, Old Testament

People can notice that there are many typical examples and elements of

favoritism in the Bible, all of which have taught us a lesson. Showing favoritism

always causes everybody hurts, and oftentimes it ends up a disaster. Two Bible

stories of family partiality were discussed as follows.

III.3.1 Isaac, for Esau v. Rebekah, for Jacob

Esau and Jacob were the sons of Esau and Rebekah. When the twins grew

up, Esau became a skillful and strong hunter. Plus, he was a man of the outdoors

being fond of animal hunting. Jacob on the other hand was a quiet man dwelling

in tents and minding the flocks near the house. Isaac preferred Esau due to Esau’s

personality traits and the obedience to his father while Rebekah preferred Jacob
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since she despised Esau and thought Esau couldn’t be Isaac’s heir (Genesis

25:27). Once, Rebekah abetted Jacob to deceive his father for securing the

blessing from Isaac as she didn’t fully trust the Lord. After losing the blessing,

Esau swore to kill his brother, which forced Jacob to leave his house in Beersheba.

Isaac and Rebekahs’ love to Esau and Jacob respectively had a direct effect on

their children’ life. And the two boys ended up becoming enemies.

III.3.2 Jacob, for Joseph

Joseph was Rachel’s first born. Just like the love toward Rachel, Jacob

favored the baby Joseph more than all the rest. Years later, Rachel’s second son,

Benjamin, was born. However, Joseph was still Jacob’s favorite since he was the

son of his old age. Joseph was born when Isaac was ninety-one. On top of that,

Benjamin’s arrival gave rise to Rebekah’s death. Afterwards, Jacob made Joseph

a robe of many colors as a token of his favor (Genesis 37). The other brothers in

the family bitterly resented all the attention that Joseph was getting. Later, his

brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver and even told

Jacob that Joseph was dead. Jacob’s favor for Joseph had been ruining and

plaguing his family. There is a sibling rivalry among Jacob’s sons. They engaged

in attention-seeking behavior and strived to fight for their father’s real love. It

ended up a vicious cycle.

III.4 Biblical view

“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great,

mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe”

(Deuteronomy 10:17). James 2:1 (NIV) said, “My brothers and sisters, believers

in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” The above are the

excerpts from two verses in the Bible, both of which fully embodies the character

of God. From the verses, we can notice that there is no favoritism with God. Plus,
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showing partiality is the last thing God will do. God is perfectly just in every

circumstance, especially when dealing with people. Genesis 9:5-6 revealed that

God made every man in His image. God once said to Noah: From each man, too,

I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. “Whoever sheds the

blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God

made man.” This verse added in the section was to link to the story of Rebekah.

As mentioned above, Rebekah didn’t fully trust God and determined to fulfill the

mission by herself. After reading the Bible, we know that God always keep His

promise. It is God that created men and made the promise to people. Accordingly,

God has the special ability to do everything for people and help those in need.

III.5 How to avoid favoritism

III.5.1 Spend equal time with children doing what they enjoy
It is suggested enjoying the uniqueness of the children (Hope Community

Church, 2020). When the advantages of the children are appreciated, parents will

treasure the children. Therefore, playing favorites toward one child can be

prevented. Furthermore, it is critical to dedicate some time to company with

children. When parents spend their time and efforts, their children can feel it.

Enjoying the family life with kids is an efficient method to solve problems

among family members.

III.5.2 Acknowledge the children’ feelings

According to Michele Levin, a family therapist, it is essential to listen to

what the children said if they think there are parental favoritism in the family.

Most people aren’t aware that they play favorite and declared that they treated

their kids equally. It is the children’ feelings that matter. It is advised that parents

find some time to chat with children and talk about their children’ interests. When

parents can get along with their children, the issue of family partiality is avoided.
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In order to stop favoritism effectively, parents must work together with their

children (Campbell, 2019). In the long run, all the family members will live a

happier life because of the inviting and warm atmosphere.

IV. Conclusion
As we addressed in the analysis of the study, the causes of favoritism among

teenagers vary in different situation. However, regardless of any reasons, parents

are advised to listen to the children, which is proved to be an effective way of

prevent parental favoritism. People must spare no effort to eliminate the issue of

favoritism since it has a severe impact on children. In addition, the behavior of

showing favoritism might negatively affect the offspring. There are two useful

methods to avoid favoritism, including acknowledging the children’ feelings and

spending equal time with each child. Teenagers are sensitive. Thus, parents ought

to dedicate their time to children and work together with their children so as to

create a nice atmosphere among parents and children.

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References
Babad, E. (1995). The "teacher's pet" phenomenon, students' perceptions of
teachers' differential behavior, and students' morale. Journal of Educational
Psychology, 87(3), 361–374. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.87.3.361

Buck, Pearl S. The Story Bible. 1st ed., I, Bookman Books, 1995.
Campbell, Leah. “What Happens When Parents Play Favorites?” Healthline,
Healthline Media, 12 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/health-news/what-
happens-to-kids-when-parents-play-favorites.

Jacquie Goetz Bluethmann, et al. Long-Term Effects of Parental Favoritism. 11

Mar. 2020, www.metroparent.com/daily/parenting/parenting-issues-tips/long-
term-effects-favoritism/.

Parental Favoritism / Quotes.

tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Quotes/ParentalFavoritism.

Urhahne, Detlef. (2015). Teacher behavior as a mediator of the relationship

between teacher judgment and students' motivation and emotion. Teaching and
Teacher Education. 45. 10.1016/j.tate.2014.09.006.

“3 Ways to Stop Showing Favoritism.” GetHope.net, Hope Community

Church, 2020, gethope.net/3-ways-to-stop-showing-favoritism/.

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