Social Factors

Question 1

Describe the 4 different parenting styles.

Answer 1

Authoritative - Children are accepted for who they are. There is mutual love and respect. (supportive and demanding)

Authoritarian - Parents assert their authority. Children are controlled. (unsupportive and demanding)

Permissive - Parents are indulgent. They do not attempt to control behaviour. (supportive and undemanding)

Disengaged/uninvolved - Parents are neglectful and show a lack of interest. There is poor attachment. (unsupportive and undemanding)

Question 2

What is a dysfunctional family?

Answer 2

Dysfunctional families are those that do not conform to regular family norms, and do not provide the benefits of a healthy family. For example, there may be controlling behaviour, high conflict, or neglect.

Question 3

How can child development be affected by parental separation/ divorce?

Answer 3

Parental separation can affect child development, particularly if the process involves a lot of conflict. There may also be the following impacts on children:
- Inconsistency in living arrangements
- Uncertainty and anxiety
- Lowered confidence and self-esteem
- Guilt
- Insecure attachments
- More susceptible to peer pressure

Question 4

Give examples of the impact of bullying.
(short and long term)

Answer 4

Short term effects:
- Stress/anxiety
- Poor self-image
- Low self esteem
- Eating disorders
- Withdrawal from school, work and activities

Long term effects:
- Self-harm
- Increased risk of suicide
- Poor academic achievement
- Difficulty forming relationships

Question 5

Give examples of cultural/religious beliefs that can impact on medical interventions.

Answer 5

The beliefs of some groups may mean that certain medical interventions are refused. For example:
- Jehovah’s Witnesses will not accept blood transfusions (or many other interventions).
- Muslim women may wish to only be treated by female doctors.
- In some cultures, there may also be a stronger role for alternative and herbal medicines (e.g. some older Chinese people).

Question 6

Give examples of cultural/religious beliefs that can impact on diet.

Answer 6

Vegetarianism - Do not consume meat. Often Buddhists and Hindus are vegetarian.
Vegan - Do not consume any animal products.
Kosher - Only certain meats are acceptable. The animal must have been slaughtered in a particular way.
Halal - Similar to Kosher. Cannot consume pork or alcohol.
Fasting - Several religions have periods of fasting, such as Muslims during Ramadan, Jews for several days in the year, and Mormons on the first Sunday of each month.