Kristi Silva

CFS243
4/27/17
Discussion #6

Thoughts to consider:

Do white parents experience some of the same contextual problems that ethnic minority parents
do? (see page 122)

What is acculturation?

What are the key values expressed by ethnic minority parents?

What are the authors 8 assumptions of parenting based on relationships with families from
various cultural backgrounds?

According to the author white parents do experience the same contextual problems
that ethnic minority parents do; however the way the family functions in making
decisions with regards to those issues is different than white families due to the
different problems that come up due to the ethnicity of the minorities.
Acculturation is a dynamic process that occurs over time in which families combine
ethnic, minority, and dominant cultural values (Trask & Hamon, 2007). The
childrearing practices of a minority parent is shaped by cultural and heritage values.
Those loved ones, usually family, who live within a close proximity will influence the
way parents tend to their children, but when the culture norm to children is different
that the values and beliefs of the parents there is acculturation and even though it
is a cultural norm to the child, the parents will disagree.
There are three key values that minorities share: Education, Family, and Respect for
Elders. These three key values were expressed in my family growing up, as I look
back there was nothing more important to my parents than these values, and
should we fail at any of them it would bring shame to our parents and grandparents;
they made sure that we knew it brought shame to them too. For ethnic minority
parents it is very important that their child(ren) do well in school so that they can be
successful in life and ultimately live better or do better than they (the parents)
have. A minority already has less of a chance at becoming part of the high or
wealthy class, so by having a good educations at least you are giving yourself a
chance. Family I think was expressed in my family as the most important thing in
life, because you will never have anyone closer than family. With my family it was
all about my sisters, we were to be each others best friends and love each other no
matter what, and now that we are older we are one anothers best friends. In the
text it explains that minorities uses phrases such as family comes first and
keeping the family together; meals, and family time is the key in keeping this
bond. Having respect for elders is taught at a young age; as a child we were to
never talk back, and it was always yes maam and no sire, if we were caught not
using those terms or disrespecting an elder in any way, we were whooped.
Personally, I am glad I was taught these values; I feel like I am a better person today
because I do hold true to these values still and I try to instill them into my own kids
minds.
The eight assumptions the author based on ethnic minority parenting are:
1. A childs primary source of socialization is their parents.
2. Parenting and parent-child relationships are influenced by social and
cultural contexts.
3. There are strengths and weaknesses found in every parent and family.
4. Support and encouragement is needed by every single parent.
5. A parent wants nothing more than their child to succeed, so this motivates
them to do everything in their power to help them.
6. Access to necessary recourses are not easily available; however, if they
were, those parents who could use them would be better parents.
7. A persons ability to parent cannot be based on their demographic
characteristics. For example just because someone is living in poverty
doesnt mean that they are bad parents.
8. Parenting skills can be improved through parenting education.