Parentology: A new life science, African American parenting. Although too many fail, some African American parents in severely disadvantaged communities are effective in raising children who successfully establish themselves in the mainstream of American life. A new science 'parentology' and a parentology curriculum was developed from this research study to address the issue of parenting in the African American community. It is conceivable that in the new millennium there will be a need to offer professional degrees in parentology.

摘要

For the purposes of this study successful parenting is defined as the rearing of children that progress in school; that have limited involvement with the criminal justice system; that comply with family values and expectations, that maintain pride in their African American culture; and that adjust to the expectations of the broader society. This study examined the relationship between parenting practices and children's psychosocial functioning as demonstrated by positive performance in the above indicated life tasks. Ten families including 13 parents across 3 generations from a high risk South Side Chicago community (Roseland), were surveyed and interviewed using parental report measures of the life tasks functioning of their children. The psychosocial functioning of 32 children, of whom 19 were adults, was examined by looking at their current functioning in school or employment, general behavior in the larger community and compliance with family values and expectations. There was a 94% success rate among these children. Forty-two common parenting themes were identified from among this group of parents which fell into 7 distinct clusters: (a) The Parent Child Relationship; (b) Extended Family Relations;(c) Values Reinforcement; (d) Direct Child Responsibilities; (e) Discipline; (f) Direct Parent Care; (g) Spiritual Involvement. It was concluded that African American parents with the assistance of Parentologists can raise successful children, even under daunting circumstances. The development of a Parentology curriculum for Professional Parent Educators (Parentologists) was the result of this study. Its purpose is to teach African American parents how to raise children who excel despite adversity.