The Cost of Parenting: Impacts of Parental Absence on the Holistic Development of a Child: Reflection on the Changing Structure of Families and Societies
Abstract
Parenting, a fundamental social role, has undergone significant transformations over time, reflecting changes in cultural, economic, and familial structures. Traditionally associated with nurturing and socialising children, the expectations and costs of parenting today are more complex and multifaceted. This article explores the profound impacts of parental absence on child development, focusing on domains such as self-esteem, trust building, work ethics, academic achievement, relationship formation, sexual behaviour, and substance abuse. Using a semi-systematic literature review methodology, this study synthesises research from diverse disciplines to create a meta-narrative understanding of how varying social contexts influence parenting tasks and responsibilities. Key findings reveal that parental absence has long-lasting detrimental effects on children’s emotional, psychological, and social outcomes, leading to impaired trust, lower academic achievement, higher risk of early sexual activity, substance abuse, and maladjustment in adulthood. The study highlights that different cultures impose varying expectations on parents, influencing how children perceive and cope with absence or neglect. Based on the findings, the article recommends the strengthening of parental support systems, community-based interventions, educational programs to bolster parenting skills, and policy frameworks aimed at mitigating the socio-economic factors that contribute to parental absence. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies across diverse societies to better capture the evolving dynamics of parenting
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