Parenting in the Context of Immigration: A Cross-Cultural Investigation among Ethiopian Immigrant Parents in Sweden

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and views of Ethiopian immigrant parents about raising children in the context of modern Swedish culture. Departing from a small ‘ethnographic observation’ on the problem area, the study investigated the challenges faced by the parents and the adaptive mechanisms parents are following. Four research questions were posed and discussed: How the immigrant parents experience raising children in the context of the modern Swedish culture? What challenges they faced and how they adapt to the Swedish ways of parenting? In what ways has migration influenced their parenting roles? What are the parents’ views about their children being grown up in Sweden? Data was collected through an in-depth qualitative interview with ten parents (four mothers & six fathers) living in the city of Gothenburg and its surroundings. A meaning focused qualitative data analysis method was employed. Analysis was made based on five intertwined themes developed from the interview material. Two theoretical frameworks provided a lens for the analysis work: the ecological systems theory and the cultural change & acculturation theory. The findings of the study showed that in various forms intercultural conflicts have been recurring problems for the parents. Language problems as an impediment to effective communication between the immigrant parents and their children were also observed. The psycho-cultural make up of the children is more of Swedish than Ethiopian and the children’s knowledge of their heritage language is limited. On the other hand, the immigrant parents’ command in Swedish language is inadequate to express deep feelings and emotions, all these create communication gap between parents and their children. The study also showed that the immigrant parents are satisfied with the education of their children. But parents are also equally concerned about the loneliness and cultural identity of their children. As conclusion, the experiences of the parents show that the processes of acculturation in terms of adapting to the modern Swedish values of child upbringing are apparently on the move. Influenced by the mainstream Swedish culture, the immigrant parents have adopted various non-punitive disciplinary methods such as intensive dialogue. However, compared to the time of stay of the parents, this acculturation process is low and much remains to be done to better incorporate them.