Representation of Parenting Styles in Popular Folktales of Bakhtiari Culture with Emphasis on Baumrind's Theory

One of the important themes reflected in popular folklore of Bakhtiari culture is parenting styles. By examining these tales, valuable insights can be gained into child-rearing practices within this culture. The aim of the present study is to analyze this theme in twenty-eight Bakhtiari folktales using content analysis technique and based on Baumrind's theory of parenting styles.
The findings reveal that the most frequently represented parenting style in these tales is the authoritative style. Since the developmental outcomes of this style—such as responsibility, independence, obedience, and self-confidence—are consistent with the dominant values of the tribal (il) structure, including control alongside solidarity and warm relationships, it is portrayed positively. In contrast, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful styles are depicted negatively, as their outcomes conflict with values such as tribal cohesion, active parental involvement in shaping children’s personalities, and high control. These styles foster insecurity, anxiety, irresponsibility, and egocentrism, thereby undermining tribal unity.
In terms of typological classification of parenting styles, mothers are predominantly portrayed as authoritative, whereas stepmothers are more often depicted as authoritarian or neglectful. The attribution of these negative parenting styles and their harmful effects to stepmothers serves as a critique of polygamy. Since in traditional cultures the father is less involved in child-rearing, the neglectful style is more commonly ascribed to him.
Regarding the influence of child gender on parenting style, the authoritative style is more frequently applied to sons, while the authoritarian style is more commonly used for daughters.