James Dobson

James Clayton Dobson is an American evangelical Christian author, psychologist, broadcaster, and founder of Focus on the Family. He became a prominent voice in conservative Christian family advocacy.

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Focus on the Family: An evangelical Christian organization founded by James Dobson in 1977, known for broadcasting and family advocacy. Dobson founded and led the organization that carried his advice and political activism to a national audience.
Parenting: The practices and responsibilities involved in raising and caring for children. Parenting was the central subject of Dobson’s popular books, broadcasts, and counseling advice.
Attachment parenting: A parenting approach emphasizing close physical and emotional bonds between caregivers and children. Its emphasis on responsiveness differs from Dobson’s advocacy of firm discipline and parental authority.
Christian right: A political movement of conservative Christians seeking to shape public policy and electoral politics. Dobson became one of its most visible organizers and media voices.
Dare to Discipline: A 1970 parenting book by James Dobson advocating parental authority and consistent discipline. The book established the disciplinary approach that became a defining feature of Dobson’s work.
Shirley Dobson: An American evangelical Christian activist who served as chair of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. She was Dobson’s wife and a prominent collaborator in evangelical public life.
The Strong-Willed Child: A 1978 parenting book by James Dobson that advocates firm parental authority in disciplining children. This influential book made Dobson’s approach to discipline widely recognizable.
Positive discipline: A child-rearing approach that teaches behavior through respect, cooperation, and non-punitive guidance. It contrasts with Dobson’s support for corporal punishment in some parenting contexts.
Moral Majority: An American political organization founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979 to mobilize conservative Christians. It preceded and helped establish the political organizing model Dobson later used.
Focus on the Family (radio program): A daily Christian radio program launched by James Dobson in 1977 and distributed internationally. The program made Dobson’s counsel and commentary a regular presence in evangelical households.