Authoritarian families are those where one person has total control over all aspects of life. This can include finances, social lives, education, religion, and even personal choices such as whom to marry. Many people come from this kind of environment and have been raised under its rules their whole lives. These types of families often promote traditional values and beliefs that may cause individuals to feel like they need to conform to certain expectations regarding gender roles, marriage, and intimate relationships.
Some authoritarian parents might discourage dating before marriage, which could lead to a lack of understanding about how to interact with potential partners outside of the family unit. This can make it harder for individuals to explore their desires and develop healthy romantic and sexual connections later on in adulthood.
Children who grow up in an authoritarian household may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame when exploring their own needs and interests because they were taught to prioritize pleasing others above themselves.
Authoritarian families tend to be hierarchical structures, where there is a clear power dynamic between parents and children. This means that children learn early on that they should defer to authority figures instead of expressing their own thoughts and opinions freely. As adults, these habits can continue into romantic and sexual relationships, leading to difficulties communicating openly and setting boundaries.
People raised in authoritarian households may have difficulty distinguishing between love and lust due to the emphasis placed on obedience and submission within the home. They may become dependent on external validation and praise rather than developing strong self-esteem based on inner sense of worthiness.
Growing up in an authoritarian family can shape one's views on erotic development, desire, and submission patterns in adulthood, making it important to recognize these effects so that healthier alternatives can be sought out.
How do authoritarian family structures influence erotic development, desire, and submission patterns in adulthood?
Authoritarian parenting styles, characterized by strict rules, rigid roles and punitive discipline, may lead to a lack of autonomy for children, as they are not allowed to make their own choices and experience consequences for them (Bernstein & Steinberg, 2015). This can result in an avoidance of intimacy and close relationships in later life, as individuals who were raised this way may feel uncomfortable with open communication and vulnerability (Murray et al.