Is authoritarian parenting associated with what many would consider "old fashioned parenting" if this parenting is bad why do so many favor it?

Honestly: I have been a physician for over twenty years and have never once heard the term "authorization parenting'. Could you be more specific with what you mean and explain why you feel 'so many favor it'?

Depends ondefinition: There are as many styles for parenting as there are parents. I am assuming that you are speaking of parenting in a directive way. One can be too domineering or too permissive in parenting styles. The secret is in being consistent and that both parents agree on the style used. Parenting involves being flexible and not too excessive at either end. Styles also may be modified as the child gets older.

Parenting styles: Parenting is a very difficult job and there is no formal training. Generally, people learn to parent as they were parented- since they are the only roll models around. So, many parents either copy their parents techniques or go the other way. Authoritarian parenting may be the model for many people and they have no idea how to change their style.