Parent–Child Relationships Among African Immigrant Families in Canada. Issue 4 (28th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salami, Bukola; Alaazi, Dominic A.; Yohani, Sophie; Vallianatos, Helen; Okeke‐Ihejirika, Philomina; Ayalew, Tesfaye; Nsaliwa, Christina
• Is Part Of: Family relations. Volume 69:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 743
• Page End: 755
• Publication Date: 2020-05-28
• Subjects: African immigrants -- Canada -- children -- parenting -- parent–child relationships; Families -- Periodicals; Family life education -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; 306.85
• DOI: 10.1111/fare.12454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-6664

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To examine the factors that influence parent–child relationships in African immigrant families in Alberta, Canada. Background: African immigrants are increasingly migrating to high‐income countries, including Canada, in search of a better life. These immigrants often face several challenges, including parenting their children in new sociocultural contexts. We present findings from a critical ethnographic study of parent–child relationships among African immigrants in Alberta, Canada. Method: Informed by transnational feminist theory, we conducted interviews with 14 African immigrant community leaders, 31 African immigrant parents, and 12 service providers and policymakers. Results: We found that conflicting cultural practices and value systems, shifting power relations, low socioeconomic status, and gender relations exert both beneficial and strenuous influences on parent–child relations. Conclusion: The determinants of parenting practices and parent–child relationships include the intersecting influences of gender, social class, culture, and changing power relations across transnational spaces. Implications: Our findings suggest several policy and practice implications. In particular, we suggest a need to attend to diverse determinants of child well‐being, including income, gender relations, culturally sensitive service delivery, and changing power relations across transnational spaces.