Culture and discipline

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Culture and Discipline

Culture can be described as the underlying characteristic of a certain group of individuals, defined by their language, race, religion, ethnicity and social behavior. Researchers conducted by various institutions show parenting styles are greatly influenced by cultural differences. According to Brooks (2010) discipline, communication, and expectations appear to be connected to cultural influences. It is through these differences that a child’s development is shaped. When children misbehave, how a parent chooses to discipline their child is closely linked to the society. Disciplinary method applied by a parent differs significantly across cultures. In eastern cultures, parents give much emphasis on discipline; they are very strict and consider western style of parenting as negligent. Depending on their culture, parents socialize and communicate to their children differently. Societal values and norms influence how parents will raise their children. In reference to how I was raised, it is evident that the prevailing societal culture influenced the parenting style that I was subjected to. For instance, in western culture it is the norm to communicate with children in a soft and understanding manner as opposed to the eastern culture where children are scold.

Discipline is making a child aware of the difference between right and wrong, as well as acceptable and unacceptable behavior (Grote, 2006). The major goal of disciplining a child is to help them change from an impulsive behavior and become disciplined individuals with controlled and purposeful mannerism. On the other hand, punishment is a disciplinary technique. It can either be physical; a slap or psychological which may involve isolating a child or withdrawing certain privileges. Both involve preventing unacceptable behavior. Punishment is efficient in stopping the behavior at that particular moment but it may not manage to eliminate the misbehavior ultimately. In my opinion, intense punishment does not result into long-term effect on behavior while discipline is a continuing process, which can be used by parents to help their children turn into self-directed individuals.

References

Brooks J., (2010). The Process of Parenting. McGraw-Hill Publishing. New York: Cengage.

Grote, R. C. (2006). Discipline without punishment: The proven strategy that turns problem employees into superior performers. New York: Amacom-American Management Association.