| Relationships cannot be broken down so simply. A parents can, and do, completely disregard the "absolute rule" of privacy in their children's lives if it is in their best interest. As a for instance, parents who know their child to be hooked to drugs interviening, breaking that privacy to save them. Children, also, break the unmutable rules their parents set up. It is the nature of people and relationships to be everchanging.
The effect you're noticing seems to be summed up in the old saying "Don't cut your nose off to spite your face." Just because you're angry and might feel you'll gain "ground" by rebelling doesn't mean that it's the best option either temporarily (getting schoolwork done) or in the long run (having respect, which you call power). If a parent sees that you obey, you have more respect, and can be trusted more in the future. More privilages means more power.
One last note, please forgive me saying "you" instead of "Mr. X." I'm not implying that you are "Mr. X," i just find it easier to write. |