Analyzing Bianca's Identity Development In The Film Dr. Stratford

Dr. Stratford To analyze Bianca’s identity development, one must at the impact of her parents and authority figures. Some children raised in different environments can later grow up have remarkably similar personalities. Conversely, children who share a home and are raised in the same environment can grow up to have astonishingly different personalities. Despites these challenges, “Researchers have uncovered convincing links between parenting styles and the affects these styles have on adolescents’ self and social identities” (Baumrind, 1991, P. 1). Bianca’s father, Dr. Stratford, is protective and warm. Each time Bianca calls him; his responses are “yes princess,” even when he knows there is an argument heading his way.
After scrutinizing all four parenting styles, Dr. Stratford is recognized as an authoritative parent. An authoritative parental styles, demonstrates rules and guidelines the children are expected to follow. According to Baumrind (1991), authoritative parenting style is much more democratic. Authoritative parents are responsive to their children and willing to listen to questions. When children fail to meet the expectations, these parents are nurturing and forgiving rather than punishing (p. 3). Baumrind suggests that these parents “monitor and impart clear standards for their children’s conduct (Baumrind, 1991, P. 3). Dr.
Stratford engages in discussions with Bianca and debates what it is she can and cannot do, although ultimate responsibility resides from him. When Bianca states that the house rule is not fair, he provides an assertive response and alters it after taking all factors into consideration. Dr. Stratford allows Bianca to go out only under rules and Kat’s guidance; he is not intrusive or restrictive. Dr. Stratford’s parental style is distinguished further when he disciplines Bianca after she attempted to sneak out. His discipline was more of a conversation and encouraged her to not sneak out for her own benefit. Throughout the film, Dr. Stratford is a protective and establishes rules and expectations for both sisters. Towards the end of the movie, when Kat and Bianca told Dr. Stratford that they were going to prom, we saw his real concern: was Bianca social responsible and could she self-regulate around her peers? He did not limit Bianca’s socializations or independence, but he provided guidance and expectations in which could develop. Dr. Stratford’s parental style will link Bianca to positive behaviors such as strong self-esteem and self-awareness and the capability to regulate emotions and act individually. Thus will strength Bianca’s transition through identity moratorium to identity
achievement.