Parenting in Multi-Racial Britain (Parenting in Practice)

Although much concern is expressed about 'differential' parenting practices and the poor outcomes in black and Asian children, relatively little is known about parenting in minority ethnic communities. As British society becomes increasingly multi-ethnic comprising diverse religious and cultural traditions, it is important that an adequate understanding is developed of the needs and concerns of racially and ethnically differing groups. This report presents the findings arising from an empirical study into the views and experiences of a non-clinical group of 'ordinary' parents in diverse ethnic communities in England. A total of 385 parents provided quantitative analysis, and a further 61 comprised the qualitative component of the study. The predominant ethnic groupings included Asian, African, African-Caribbean and White. The complexity of ethnicity, socio-economic context, gender, race and racism provide the backdrop for the discussion of parental authority and discipline, attitudes and views about education, and acculturation and racial and ethnic socialisation.