Exploring the experiences of recently arrived Latin American migrant parents regarding their children's education. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gilsenan, James; Lee, Frances
• Is Part Of: Educational psychology in practice. Volume 37:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 233
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Migrant parents -- Latin American -- home-school relationship -- educational inclusion -- social exclusion; Educational psychology -- Periodicals; 370.1505
• DOI: 10.1080/02667363.2021.1875993
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-7363

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study explored the experiences of recently arrived Latin American parents to the UK related to their children's education, to highlight how these experiences can inform educational practice. A small-scale qualitative design employed semi-structured interviews to give voice to five parents who had each arrived in London after time spent living in Spain. Thematic analysis led to four key themes: ambition, sacrifice and the high value placed on education; language difficulties; feelings of powerlessness; and cultural adaptation. The implications emerging from this study centre on how educational psychologists (EPs) can act as a bridge between schools and a local migrant community by drawing on their knowledge of both second language development and the psychological experience of migration. There is also a role for EPs in advocating for the practical needs of recently arrived parents and responding to power imbalances to ensure their inclusion within the school community.