Atticus Parenting

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A study in 1997 by Susan D. Witt, Ph.D., at the University of Akron tested to see whether the impact of parental influence on gender role development lead to the suggestion that androgynous gender role orientation was more beneficial to children than following traditional gender roles. In this study, they found that “Parents who espouse an egalitarian attitude regarding gender roles are more likely to foster this attitude in their children” (Susan D. Witt, Ph.D., pg 22). The impact of androgynous parenting is shown in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, by Atticus Finch, the father of the protagonist, Jean Louise Finch (otherwise known as Scout) who parents in a decidedly non-traditional style. This style of parenting is affected by Atticus's…show more content…
It is thrown throughout the book that Scout’s bond to Atticus is especially strong, “Exactly why Scout identifies with Atticus so much may have as much to do with his own individuality and inner strength as the fact that he is a single parent and father” ( Dean Shackelford 109). This is because of Atticus’s atypical behavior in relation to the rest of Maycomb are seen as Scout as something to work up to. In his life Atticus walked away from far live, he broke the southern stereotype of living off the land. As his daughter Scout perceives what he has done in life as a goal to surpass, the idea of breaking a stereotype seems to excite her, as shown when becomes excited about receiving an air rifle (79). Another trait that Atticus has passed onto Scout is his idea that, unlike fathers who constantly maintain dominion… He encourages rebellion against unfair institutions. Most importantly this is demonstrated towards the end of the book where Atticus and Heck Tate, the deputy purposely decide to hide evidence in order to spare a man of unwanted attention. However, this behavior is shown throughout the book, even if on a smaller scale. In school, Scout is able to read on the first day of school. Because of this, her teacher forbids Atticus from reading to her, disregarding Atticus as being one of, if not the smartest man in Maycomb. Atticus continues to read to Scout, explaining that, “Sometimes it’s better to bend the law a little in special cases” (37). Atticus is well aware that what he is doing is against the rules, yet it is still morally and logically right. Scout takes this idea and applies it to her life, and therefore comes away knowing that what she is doing is right, even if others don’t think

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