Assessing Asian and Asian American Parenting: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Parenting is the primary method for socializing children (Darling & Steinberg, 1993). Culture is a critical force in this socialization process. Cultural values shape socialization goals to influence parenting style and practices, which in turn relate to child outcomes (Chao, 2000; Darling & Steinberg, 1993). Chao’s (1995) study demonstrates these relationships by comparing the cultural values and parenting practices of mothers from European American and Asian American backgrounds. She found that socialization goals of Asian American mothers were consistent with an interdependent and collectivistic orientation of Asian culture (Markus & Kitayama, 1991; Triandis, 1995). Asian American mothers emphasized interdependence by encouraging children toward high academic achievement to bring honor to the family. This contrasted with the European American socialization goal of emphasizing an independent and individualistic orientation (Markus & Kitayama, 1991; Triandis, 1995). European American mothers emphasized a sense of self-esteem in their children, stressing the personal well-being of the individual.