Potential conflict between the rights of the child and parental expectations in traditional child-rearing patterns: Resolving the tension

Abstract

This paper aimed to ascertain whether the rights of the child conflict with traditional child-rearing patterns in rural and urban Ghana among 60 participants. Qualitative exploratory study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with parents of children who both were and were not involved in child labour (10), and stakeholders, including government officials and NGO representatives (10); focus groups (30); and participant observation techniques (10) in order to gather the needed data. Participants were purposively sampled across rural areas (Ankaase, Anwiankwanta and Kensere), and urban areas (Jamestown, Korle Gonno and Chorkor) in Ghana. The average age of parents interviewed was 31 years. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and a framework approach was used as the main data analysis method. The discussion shows that inconsistencies between parental expectations in traditional child-rearing patterns and participation rights as expressed in Article 3 (1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) are reconcilable and provides a genuine prospect for reform.