Intergenerational Transmission of Parenting Styles on Young Mothers in Kenya

This study examines the intergenerational transmission of parenting styles among young mothers in Kenya, investigating how the parenting practices of previous generations influence the current generation. The research uses a quantitative design, grounded in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, and focuses on young mothers aged 18-35 from both urban and rural areas of Kenya. A stratified random sampling technique was employed, with a sample size of 384 participants calculated using Cochran’s formula. Data were collected via structured questionnaires assessing authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful parenting styles. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were applied to explore the patterns and relationships between childhood and current parenting styles. Results revealed that authoritarian parenting was the most common style experienced by participants in childhood (M = 3.76, SD = 0.576), followed by permissive (M = 2.75, SD = 0.398) and authoritative (M = 2.44, SD = 0.461) styles. Neglectful parenting had the lowest mean (M = 1.96, SD = 0.351). In adulthood, the most prevalent style adopted by the young mothers was authoritative (M = 4.08, SD = 0.377), followed by permissive (M = 2.63, SD = 0.834), with authoritarian parenting being less commonly adopted (M = 2.49, SD = 0.852). The correlation analysis showed weak to moderate relationships between childhood and current parenting styles, with significant negative correlations between childhood authoritative parenting and current authoritarian (r = -0.109, p < 0.05) and permissive parenting (r = -0.236, p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between childhood authoritarian or neglectful parenting and current parenting styles. The regression analysis indicated that demographic factors, particularly area of residence, were significant predictors of current authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. The study concludes that intergenerational transmission of parenting styles is present in Kenya, with cultural and socio-economic factors influencing parenting practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these influences and promote healthier parenting strategies.