Gender Differences in Parenting Styles During Adolescence

Abstract

This research investigates and compares various parenting styles—democratic, autocratic, permissive, and uninvolved—in relation to the gender of adolescents. The study aimed to explore how these parenting styles differ based on the gender of adolescents. A sample of 200 adolescents (100 males and 100 females) from high schools in Ahmedabad city was selected using random sampling. The Parenting Style Scale by Madhu Gupta and Dimple Methani was employed to assess parenting styles. The study hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in parenting styles between male and female adolescents. Results indicated significant differences in all parenting styles: democratic parenting style was more prevalent among parents of female adolescents, while autocratic, permissive, and uninvolved parenting styles were more common among parents of male adolescents. These findings highlight gender-specific variations in parenting practices and underscore their implications for adolescent development.