Different viewpoints on child-rearing methods of Chinese Americans and White Americans in the United States in the 21st century=

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study examined the differences between Chinese American and White American parents on childrearing viewpoints in the 21st century. Factors affecting their viewpoints on parenting styles, such as culture and parents’ beliefs and expectations were specifically considered. For White American parents, the parenting style mostly adopted is related to psychological well-being for adolescents called authoritative parenting. White-American parents were found to be less controlling, show more encouragement of independence, and emphasize less achievement than Chinese American parents. For Chinese American parents, meanwhile, the parenting style mostly favored is related to the theme called authoritarian parenting. Chinese American parents were found to use strict rules, high expectations. They are highly demanding in their directions but are not typically responsive: they are more interested in strict obedience and provide a well-ordered and structured environment. The research also revealed that culture has a big effect on how parents raise children because norms and standards differ from culture to culture. Moreover, this paper also demonstrated that it is difficult to evaluate whether parenting methods of Chinese American or white American parents are better. Both authoritarian child-rearing of Chinese American parents and authoritative child-rearing of White American parents have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, each person, with the role of parents should consider the benefits and drawbacks of both parenting methods to choose the most suitable one to parent their children.