CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Assignment Brief

Authoritarian lifestyle and crimes committed by people with that up-bringing in CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Sample Answer

Authoritarian Lifestyle and Crime Committed by People with That Upbringing in the Context of Conflict Resolution

Introduction

An authoritarian lifestyle, marked by rigid discipline, strict control, and minimal emotional warmth, can deeply influence a person’s development. In psychology and criminology, many researchers have drawn connections between authoritarian parenting or upbringing and later behavioural outcomes, including criminal behaviour. This paper explores how such an upbringing might contribute to the development of criminal tendencies and how conflict resolution strategies can be applied to prevent or address these outcomes.

Authoritarian Upbringing and Its Characteristics

Authoritarian upbringing is commonly defined by:

• High expectations of obedience

• Harsh punishments for misbehaviour

• Lack of open dialogue or emotional support

• Limited personal freedom or autonomy

Parents or authority figures may demand unquestioned obedience, often relying on discipline over understanding. According to psychologist Diana Baumrind, authoritarian parenting can lead to anxious, withdrawn, or aggressive behaviours in children.

Link to Criminal Behaviour

Studies suggest that children raised in authoritarian households may:

• Develop low self-esteem and repressed anger, which can manifest in aggression.

• Lack emotional regulation, making violent conflict responses more likely.

• Show poor decision-making skills, as they have not been encouraged to think independently.

• Be more susceptible to peer pressure, seeking approval or power they were denied at home.

Such factors may lead to engagement in criminal behaviour, especially in youth, ranging from theft and drug use to violent crime. The need for control, power, or rebellion can drive individuals to defy laws or social norms.

Role of Conflict Resolution

Effective conflict resolution is crucial in breaking this cycle. It allows individuals to:

1. Express emotions in healthy, non-violent ways.

2. Develop empathy through perspective-taking exercises and restorative justice models.

3. Learn negotiation, mediation, and active listening to manage disputes peacefully.

4. Rebuild trust and self-worth in structured support environments.

Conflict resolution strategies, especially when taught early (e.g., in schools or youth programs), help replace aggression or suppression with communication and problem-solving skills.

Preventive and Restorative Measures

Several interventions can reduce the negative effects of an authoritarian upbringing:

• Parenting education programs that promote authoritative (not authoritarian) approaches.

• Community-based conflict resolution workshops for at-risk youth.

• Restorative justice models that involve dialogue between offenders and victims to foster accountability and healing.

• Mentorship programs to provide emotional support and positive role models.

Continued...