Family is the initial institution that shapes children’s beliefs and values. Although people may change their worldview later in life when communicating with peers and colleagues, the foundational knowledge often remains the same because many preferences unconsciously develop by the age of four (Odenweller & Harris, 2018). For instance, the study by Odenweller and Harris (2018) demonstrated that children from conformist families expressed a higher degree of racial bias than those who had caregivers with conversational orientations. People from authoritarian families are more prejudiced because they are accustomed to hierarchies, prefer to comply with strict rules, and model their parents’ behavior.
There are three primary reasons why children who had conformist parents are more likely to have various preconceptions. The first reason is that these people grew up with strict hierarchical structures where an authority dictates what behavior and thoughts are acceptable (Odenweller & Harris, 2018). Since their neurochemistry is hardwired to agree with established rules, any deviations from the norms will likely elicit an adverse reaction from them. Secondly, as Odenweller and Harris (2018) showed, children from authoritarian families modeled their caregivers, demonstrating prejudiced attitudes. The third reason is that they are accustomed to following the rules and not breaking social boundaries (Odenweller & Harris, 2018). Therefore, these people will be biased about unusual appearance, behavior, or idea.
To summarize, prejudices are more prevalent among individuals from conformist families. Despite the possible peer influence that may alter the worldview, the foundational perception formed during early childhood often has a more substantial impact. Specifically, people from authoritarian families tend to model their parents’ behavior, prefer the established order, and have a strong sense of hierarchy and authority that does not allow any variations from social norms.
Reference
Odenweller, K. G., & Harris, T. M. (2018). Intergroup socialization: The influence of parents’ family communication patterns on adult children’s racial prejudice and tolerance. Communication Quarterly, 66(5), 501-521. Web.