Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 8(12B), pp. 8402 - 8410
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082646
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Parenting Styles and Discipline Strategies of Immigrants: A Qualitative Study

Fawzia Reza ^*
Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Office of Academic Excellence, American College of Education, Indianapolis, 46204, Indiana, United States

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study, conducted on 10 parents, with at least one child attending a K-8 classrooms, examines the experiences of immigrant parents as they raise their children in the United States. Participants selected were asked to identify which parenting strategy within Baumrind’s discipline topology they most closely associate with. The study also examines the differences between how participants were raised in their home country, against how they raise their own children in the United States. The qualitative research design, and specifically a phenomenological inquiry, was considered appropriate because it allowed the researcher to capture participants’ voices, thereby challenging normative, taken-for granted views on the topic of discipline techniques used by immigrant parents. Analysis of the responses demonstrates that immigrant parents proactively change their parenting style to comply with cultural norms of their new homeland. Understanding how discipline strategies of immigrant parents evolve will help them become more aware of their disciplining techniques and how these affect the social and emotional development of their children. The results will also assist educators and administrators to develop greater awareness of parenting styles of new immigrants and formulate policies to communicate more effectively with these parents. Further studies that compare the experiences of immigrant parents raising their children in the United States with other countries will be necessary to develop generalized recommendations and better understand how immigrant parents navigate child-rearing practices in these countries.

KEYWORDS
Immigrant Parents, Discipline Strategies, Child Rearing, Parenting Styles, Child Development, Culturally Diverse Students

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Fawzia Reza , "Parenting Styles and Discipline Strategies of Immigrants: A Qualitative Study," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 8, No. 12B, pp. 8402 - 8410, 2020. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082646.

(b). APA Format:
Fawzia Reza (2020). Parenting Styles and Discipline Strategies of Immigrants: A Qualitative Study. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(12B), 8402 - 8410. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082646.