Intergenerational negotiations on (hetero)sexuality and romantic relationships – views of young people and parents in multi-ethnic contexts

Abstract

This article focuses on intergenerational negotiations on young people's (13-19 years) sexuality and romantic relationships in families where one or both of the parents have migrated to Finland. By utilising the theoretical framework of intersectionality and negotiability of family relationships, we seek to diversify the often problem-oriented and culture-related examinations of ethnic minority families and young people's position in them. Methodologically, we draw on interview data relating to both young people and parents. In addition to the vast heterogeneity in practices and ideals, the analysis shows that while conflicts and miscommunication between generations do occur, the intergenerational negotiations for the most part are described as consensual and based on trust. Young people are allotted considerable agency by their parents, and also demonstrate a high degree of agency, whether they are complying with their parents' views or questioning them. Their negotiations also reflect and are conditioned by their position in the hierarchies of Finnish society.

Children’s Behavioral Agency within Families in the Context of Migration: A Systematic Review

“…Agency in sexual discourses and strategies, romantic relationships, friendship, peer relationships and activities (Akinsulure-Smith et al, 2016 ; Cense, 2014 ; Clayton, 2013 ; Peltola et al, 2017 ; Romo et al, 2014 )…”

“…Children adopted different strategies to exercise their sexual agency, including “conforming to parents’ values, breaking up with parents, leading a double life, and integrating competing discourses” (Cense, 2014 , p. 835). Similarly, young people who migrated to Finland could choose whether to comply with their parents’ views or questioning them and show a high level of agency in romantic relationships (Peltola et al, 2017 ). Some Latina girls had ever had at least one boyfriend, but only half of them reported that their mothers knew about it; these girls showed non-disclosure in boyfriend relationships (Romo, Mireles-Rios, & Lopez-Tello, 2014 ).…”

Pragmatic, pious and pissed off: young Muslim girls managing conflicting sexual norms and social control

“…Young women's self-determination in Muslim families is another subject of public concern which has spurred quantitative research on ethnic minority young people's experiences of parental restrictions and sanctions across the Nordic context (for an overview, see Smette, Hyggen, and Bredal 2021). A number of qualitative studies have contested this tendency to problematise ethnic minority and Muslim families, from Basit's (1997) early study of British Muslim girls' perspectives on freedom to recent studies arguing that intergenerational relations in ethnic minority families are based on negotiation and allow for young people's agency (Peltola et al 2017).…”

Parents, whiteness and sex education: A critical race critique of Parent sex education guides

“…Overall, through these visual choices, the text reproduces discourses that centre whiteness at the heart of parenting and parenthood. As argued in a growing body of Australian and international scholarship, representations of parents consistently centre white, heteronormative and middle class families at the heart of SRE and SHE policy and theorising (Peltola et al, 2017) – indeed, as noted by Peltola et al ‘norms concerning family life and intimate relations are ethicised, gendered and classed: the yardstick for respectability is, by and large, white, western and middle-class family life’ (Peltola et al, 2017: 533).…”