Culture and Class Influences on Anglo and Puerto Rican Mothers' Beliefs regarding Long-Term Socialization Goals and Child Behavior

Abstract

These 2 studies examine culture and socioeconomic status as simultaneous possible sources for group differences in mothers' beliefs regarding desirable and undesirable long-term socialization goals and child behavior. In Study 1, 100 mothers of young toddlers aged 12-24 months from 5 sociocultural groups participated: middle- and lower-class Anglo, middle- and lower-class island Puerto Rican, and lower-class migrant Puerto Rican. Results indicate that culture and socioeconomic status contribute independently to group differences, but that cultural effects appear to be stronger. Study 2 examined cultural differences in perceptions of behaviors using middle-class Anglo and Puerto Rican mothers only. The findings support those of Study 1, suggesting that Anglo and Puerto Rican mothers place differential value on the constructs of Self-Maximization and Proper Demeanor, even when socioeconomic status is controlled for. The findings of these studies have important implications for the culturally sensitive study of the relation between parental beliefs and behaviors.

What Does it Mean to be Prosocial? A Cross-Ethnic Study of Parental Beliefs

“…Only first generation Mexican American mothers discussed punishment and firmness/strictness as methods of promoting prosocial outcomes. Again, this is consistent with studies suggesting that Mexican American parents are more likely to utilize strong disciplinary practices, such as punishment, compared to their native counterparts, and that such practices may dissipate with acculturation (Harwood et al, 1996;MacPhee et al, 1996). Thus, like the unique conceptions of prosocial behaviors, notions about parenting practices also seem to reflect cultur ally-rooted beliefs.…”

The Role of Perceived Parental Autonomy Support in Academic Achievement of Asian and Latino American Adolescents

“…Both the Asian and Latino American cultures are generally collectivistic, emphasizing respect for elders, group well-being, and social responsibilities (e.g., Chao & Tseng, 2002;Harwood, Schoelmerich, Ventura-Cook, Schulze & Wilson, 1996;Sabogal, Marin, OteroSabogal, VanOss Marin, & Perez-Stable, 1987). Though Asian and Latino immigrant parents are reported to have higher educational expectations for their children than do native White parents (Pong, Hao & Gardner, 2005), they are also perceived to have greater control in the parent-child decision-making process than their White counterparts (Kao, 2004).…”

Metas de socialização e estratégias de ação paternas e maternas

“…Estas redes sociais se colocam como intermédio da orientação cultural dos pais expressa em seus objetivos de socialização e prá-ticas de cuidado (Harwood, Miller, & Lucca Irizarry, 1995;Harwood, Schöelmerich, Ventura-Cook, Schulze, & Wilson, 1996;Miller & Harwood, 2001). Nesse sentido, as metas de socialização são definidas como um conjunto de valores e crenças culturalmente construídas que se materializam em objetivos a longo prazo que os pais traçam para seus filhos e que influenciam as práticas de cuidado destes para com suas crianças (Miller & Harwood, 2001).…”