Growing Parents-Children Communication Gap: A Gender-Based Study in Discourse Analytical Perspective

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the challenges experienced by children while communicating with their parents and the impact of gender roles in communication. The population comprises 10 participants from two age groups: children aged 12-15 and adults aged 21-25. We conducted semi-structured interviews and explored the feelings, experiences and opinions of children and communication strategies employed by parents from a discourse analytical perspective. General questions were asked to find ways to overcome the communication gap and suggest healthy interaction strategies. Our findings revealed several communication challenges, including a dearth of emotional expressions, busy lifestyles, authoritarian parenting and undue pressure on daughters, as well as linguistic choices that can control children’s interactions and suggested ways to bridge this gap. Suggestions include spending quality time together, giving children opportunities to express their views and shifting towards positive authoritative parenting. This study adds to the growing research on parent-child communication gaps for improved family well-being and relationships.