Parenting and Family Life among Diverse Ethnic Groups in Britain
International cross-cultural studies in child rearing indicate important issues around family dynamics, migration and identity, and the patterns of parenting (Korbin 1981, McAdoo 1997). This paper, based upon original empirical research, will focus upon ‘change and continuity’ in the context of racial heterogeneity and power relations, and present the findings of an important study into the experiences of over 400 diverse families in modern day Britain (Barn, Ladino and Rogers 2003). A particular focus will be placed on family networks, care and provision, and neighbourhood support. The paper will focus on the influence of values and beliefs on trust and reciprocity. These issues will be discussed against a backdrop of the key notions of multi-culturalism, integration, ethnic identity and migration, and the role of racism in society and neighbourhood