Parental Influences on Social Competence: An Investigation of Parenting Styles and Children's Social Behavior in Chengdu, Sichuan Province

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between parenting styles and children's social behavior within the cultural context of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The research explores how different parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved—impact the social development of children, particularly focusing on cooperation, empathy, and communication skills. Additionally, the study examines the mediating role of Chinese cultural factors, such as collectivism, filial piety, and educational expectations, in shaping these relationships. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, data were collected from parents and educators in Chengdu. The findings reveal that authoritative parenting is positively correlated with desirable social behaviors in children, while authoritarian and permissive styles show varied impacts depending on the cultural context. The study also highlights the significant influence of cultural values on the effectiveness of different parenting styles, demonstrating that these factors mediate the relationship between parenting practices and children's social outcomes. This research contributes to the academic literature by providing empirical evidence from a non-Western context, addressing a gap in existing studies that often overlook the cultural specificity of parenting. The study's outcomes offer practical insights for parents and educators, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to child-rearing. Policy recommendations are proposed to support families in fostering children's social competence, with implications for educational and social development initiatives in China.