Final answer:
The autocratic family pattern is the one that is least open to outside influence, centering authority on a single individual. It is part of a broader discussion on family roles and societal norms regarding discrimination in the context of parental roles in child-rearing. Patrilineal descent is an example of how traditional family patterns can emphasize male authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The family pattern that is least open to outside influence is known as the autocratic family pattern. In an autocratic family, authority is centered on one individual, and decisions are made unilaterally by that person, often with strict adherence to tradition or personal principles. This pattern contrasts with democratic or egalitarian family structures where decisions may be made collaboratively and input from all family members is considered.
Understanding family patterns can offer insights into social patterns of discrimination, particularly in the roles that fathers and mothers play in child-rearing. While some might view traditional family roles as discriminatory, these roles have often been rooted in cultural norms and societal expectations rather than employer hiring and salary decisions.
In this discussion, it's noteworthy to mention unilateral descent patterns such as patrilineal, matrilineal, and ambilineal descent. In patrilineal societies, for example, only males carry on the family surname, which underscores the focus on male authority and control within the family structure, often associated with autocratic or patriarchal family patterns.