Conflicts over parenting in multicultural homes: a problem analysis int he area of safety

Cultural norms about parenting practices naturally influence the way children are raised. These norms impact the beliefs and values that a parent teaches their children, what behavior is given appropriate consideration and what methods are used to teach these values and behaviors. Due to cultural differences, more conflicts over parenting are expected in multicultural families. Conflict is an individual’s reaction to the perception that one’s own and another party’s current aspirations cannot be achieved simultaneously (Rubin, Pruitt, and Kim, 1994). The study aims to identify the main issues of confl icts by interviewing migrants from Africa and their Lithuanian spouses. Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis. The research revealed the following objects of conflicts over parenting: (1) decision making; 2) child discipline; 3) child’s religious practices; 4) relations with extended family members. Ameliorating conflicts is possible if the spouses use effective communication, learn about culture and parenting, and seek professional help. Results emphasize that despite the cultural diversity, there are common parenting themes that emerge across cultures.