The Role of Parenting Composition on Deviance

Objectives: Research has indicated that parenting style influences healthy development in children. Although this finding is significant, it does not address how family structure can influence later deviance. This study examines the role that unconventional familial composition, such as the number of guardians involved in parenting, has on deviant behavior.

Data & Methods: Using case study analysis, we examined outcomes for children raised in nuclear families, children raised collectively, and children with absent parents. We focused specifically on cases between 1970 and 1990, a period of pronounced change in parenting composition as alternative communities, such as communes and new religious movements, developed. Six case studies were selected, two from each family type, and were followed from childhood to adulthood.

Results: Study results indicate that there are notable differences between cases stemming from different family models. More specifically, deviance was isolated to select familial structures or composition.

Conclusions & Implications: This study suggests that familial structure may play an important role and should be considered when examining deviant behavior. A larger follow-up study will be necessary to further clarify this potential relationship between parenting and deviance.