THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND SCIENTIFIC PARENTING BEHAVIORS OF INFANT AND TODDLER CAREGIVERS: EVIDENCE FROM YUNNAN PROVINCE, CHINA

This study analyzed how caregivers' socioeconomic status (SES) affects scientific parenting behaviors. 5,527 infant and toddler caregivers were surveyed. Results revealed significant SES-based differences: lower, lower-middle, and middle strata scored lower than the upper-middle stratum in total scientific parenting (F=4.192, p<0.01) and material/time provision dimension (F=4.895, p<0.01). Lower-middle and middle strata underperformed in the interpersonal interaction dimension (F=3.279, p<0.05), while the lower-middle stratum lagged in the encouragement and companionship dimension (F=3.227, p<0.05). Family SES positively correlated with total parenting scores and all three dimensions (interpersonal interaction, encouragement, material and time provision), serving as a significant predictor of parenting quality. The findings highlight the need for targeted policies to enhance scientific parenting guidance for disadvantaged families, particularly addressing lower-middle strata's deficits in interactive and emotional support and lower strata's resource limitations. Implementing tiered support programs could optimize early childhood development outcomes.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0908/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>