Abstract:

The countries in the Mediterranean region are characterized by a great deal of ethnic, religious, cultural and historical diversity. However, some prevalent commonalities make up a homogeneous background which is projected unto the parental beliefs and child-rearing practices in the countries in this region. In this study it was aimed to question whether the characteristics shown by various research studies related parenting indicate typical of the Mediterranean culture. In the first part of the article a general review on parenting based on different theoretical approaches and paradigms was conducted. In the second part of the article the specific research on mother-child interaction in Mediterranean countries, such as Turkey, Y Italy, Spain, and Egypt were examined. Characteristics shown by the research studies on parenting that are examined in this study indicate typical of the Mediterranean culture. Traditional family structure where obedience, dependence, loyalty and empathy to others are important factors promoting interdependency among family members in Mediterranean countries regarded in this study. Material interdependence is also reflected in social values and in the aspirations of the parents for their children in this culture. These family pattern, parenting attitudes and behaviors and the expected values and personality characteristics from children fluctuate according to children’ gender and families’ socio-economic levels.

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