Generational Transmission of Parenting Values: Parental Goals and Their Impact on Shaping Children's Personalities – from Baby Boomers to Millennials and Generation Alpha

Research objectives (aims) and problem(s): The study aimed to understand how parenting goals have changed across generations, with a focus on the role of mothers in shaping children’s traits. It analyzed shifts in parenting values from Baby Boomers and Generation X to Millennials and their impact on raising daughters and sons from Generation Alpha. Key issues examined included differences in parenting approaches between fathers and mothers and the evolution of parental values in response to societal changes. Research methods: The study employed semantic analysis and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) to investigate shifts in parenting goals. Data were collected from 402 mothers through an online research platform. Statistical methods and text analysis tools were used to identify the key personality traits valued by parents and their perception by adult daughters. Structure of the article: The article is organized into several sections. It begins with an exploration of parenting values and their evolution across generations. It then discusses differences in raising daughters and sons, along with the influence of parental goals and cultural factors on shaping a child’s personality. The empirical section presents data analysis, while the final sections discuss the results and provide conclusions. Research findings and their impact on the development of educational sciences: The study found shifts in parenting goals. Traditional values such as courage, often promoted by fathers, have been replaced by mothers emphasizing independence, empathy, and creativity. For sons, mothers focus on practical skills and independence, while for daughters, they prioritize strength of character. These differences reflect changing social realities and a growing awareness of gender equality. Conclusions and/or recommendations: The study highlights the need for a holistic approach to parenting that addresses both emotional and intellectual development in children. The findings indicate that evolving parenting goals play a crucial role in shaping future generations. Further research is recommended to explore how these changes affect education and parenting, considering broader societal expectations.