Punjabi Childrearing IN Britain

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a research project on the childrearing practices of Punjabi parents now living in the UK with special reference to the development of religious sensibilities, cultural identity, race awareness and bilingualism. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews from two generations of Punjabi mothers (those of the 1970s and 1990s) living in the UK. The findings from the interview data are discussed in an interpretative way. The salient findings are that while the second-generation Punjabis in the study are changing some of their traditional mores (equal treatment of boys and girls, modified system of arranged marriages), they are also eager to transmit the core values (religion, mother tongue and familial spirit) of their culture. Furthermore, most mothers want their children to appreciate the cultural diversity of British society and to develop a bicultural outlook. The implications for teachers and policy-makers are explored. The findings of this research have an important bearing on understanding the concerns and anxieties of other ethnic minorities in western European countries and elsewhere.