Türk annelerin gelişimsel beklentileri, ebeveynlik davranışları ve aile ortamlarında yerleşim alanının ve eğitimin rolü

The major aim of this study was to investigate differences and similarities in developmental expectations, parenting practices, and quality of home environment in Turkish mothers of preschoolers who live in a megacity and a rural-city. Another aim was to examine the role of maternal education in these parenting variables. The participants were 161 mothers of preschoolers living in Istanbul and 73 mothers living in Konya, Kayseri, and Nevsehir. Differences between groups were examined using MANOVAs and MANCOVAs, and results revealed that mothers who lived in rural-cities reported higher levels of obedience-demanding behaviors and punishment; had earlier developmental expectations about traditional/moral rules; and provided healthier physical environment than megacity mothers. It was also found that compared to low-educated mothers, high-educated mothers reported less obedience-demanding behaviors and more permissiveness and cognitive stimulation; expected earlier development in the physical, cognitive, social, self-control, autonomy, obedience, family orientation, and agency domains; and provided more learning materials and healthier physical environment. The results partially supported the hypotheses. Taken together, the findings implied that the mothers who live in a megacity and a rural-city have some similarities and differences in terms of developmental expectations, child-rearing practices, and home context. In addition to the differences related to social environment, results showed that parenting variables differ according to mothers? education level, which is consistent with child development literature.