The Invisible Yet Undeniable Onslaught of Patriarchal Christian Fundamentalism in Current Mainstream Parenting

The Invisible Yet Undeniable Onslaught of Patriarchal Christian Fundamentalism in Current Mainstream Parenting Zeitgeist

Subtitle: Analysing the Impact on Parenting Norms and Values

The way people parent today is greatly shaped by an influential force that impacts beliefs, practices, and societal norms. Many people don’t realise that white patriarchal Christian fundamentalism plays a significant role in shaping attitudes towards parenting. Most parents of current teenagers in 2023 are children of “baby boomers”, to borrow the North American trope. When you consider the large commercialisation of the ideas and the money behind propagating those cultural norms, the books and theories popular worldwide are from the tradition of white patriarchal Christian fundamentalism. Thus, without realising it, parenting as we currently frame it is heavily influenced by the realities of that generation.?

Embedded within the fabric of Western society, this ideology espouses purported traditional family values, rigid gender roles, and a moral framework rooted in conservative Christian doctrine. This ideology is often used to oppose any progress in gender or social equality and the acceptance of diverse lifestyles. It also shapes and limits our understanding of what is ‘normal’ and ‘acceptable’ within our society. However, some argue that this ideology is beneficial because it provides a stable framework for family life and personal relationships. They would also argue that it upholds traditional values essential to society’s functioning. While some may overlook its impact, its effects on parenting norms and values cannot be diminished. It is important to consider how this impacts you as a parent.

Under the guise of preserving cherished traditions and religious beliefs, white patriarchal Christian fundamentalism exerts considerable influence on how parents navigate their roles and responsibilities. This influence can manifest itself in subtle ways that can have lasting impacts on family dynamics and child development. From promoting hierarchical family structures to reinforcing heteronormativity, its teachings subtly guide parental decision-making and shape children’s experiences growing up within these frameworks. There is a subtlety that runs deep, yet pervasive, to the point that most people are unaware of it. In some ways, it almost seems the water and the air are full of it!

One key aspect of this influence lies in perpetuating traditional gender roles. White patriarchal Christian fundamentalism often assigns distinct roles to mothers and fathers, emphasising male headship and female submission within the family unit. Many will argue that such traditional beliefs have been debunked. But in reality, have they been? Despite being challenged and questioned, these traditional gender roles remain prominent. They are often embedded within our laws, social structures, and expectations of how men and women should behave. This suggests that we still have a way to dismantle these patriarchal ideals. This dynamic can foster an imbalance of power and reinforce gender stereotypes, limiting opportunities for both parents and children to explore their individual identities fully.

Moreover, the influence of this ideology extends beyond the confines of the home. It permeates educational institutions, affecting the curriculum and teaching subjects, the options children and young people can pursue, the culture wars about sex education, LGBTQ+ rights, and comprehensive reproductive health. It finds its way into workplaces and businesses. It even impacts politics, with ultra-conservative candidates and platforms gaining traction and religious values often taking precedence over individual rights. By perpetuating a narrow view of people and children in particular, white patriarchal Christian fundamentalism omits vital information and reinforces stigma.

While it is essential to acknowledge the diversity within the Christian faith and that not all Christian parents adhere to these beliefs, the overwhelming influence of white patriarchal Christian fundamentalism on mainstream parenting cannot be ignored. It shapes the dominant narrative, often privileging specific viewpoints while marginalising alternative perspectives.

Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that there are individuals both within and outside the Christian community, as well as in society at large, who actively resist and advocate for progressive values, thereby challenging the dominance of this paradigm. It remains essential to highlight the existence of this historical force, though elusive like dark matter, where its effects are observable. Still, its presence cannot be directly perceived or quantified.

Advocates for inclusive parenting, gender equality, and comprehensive education strive to create spaces that embrace diversity, reject oppressive norms, and empower individuals to express themselves authentically. How are you doing about these efforts in your home and with your child or children??

Recognising and understanding the subtle yet undeniable presence of white patriarchal Christian fundamentalism in the parenting zeitgeist is crucial. To really move beyond this oppressive framework, we need to understand its impact on our lives thoroughly. We need to be aware of the messages we send our children and how our parenting choices might reinforce those messages. We need to be intentional about creating an environment that is truly open and inclusive. For instance, many traditional parenting models encourage children to conform to gender stereotypes from a young age, which can limit their opportunities to discover their true selves. By doing so, we can engage in thoughtful discussions, foster critical thinking, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all families, regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds or geography.

As parents navigating the complex landscape of raising children, we must always acknowledge that examining the forces shaping our beliefs and practices is imperative.?

In the next article, I would like to consider this topic from the perspective of parents from the global majority. I will offer a perspective on this invisible force and the impact of marginalisation on other ways of being and knowing.?