The Development of Children’s Ethnic Identity in Immigrant Chinese Families in Canada

Abstract

Parents’ role in children’s ethnic identity development was examined among 95 immigrant Chinese families with young adolescents living in Canada. Children reported their feelings of ethnic identity and perceptions of parental family obligation expectations. Parents reported their family obligation expectations; parents and children reported on parenting practices. Mothers’ expectations, but not fathers’, were positively associated with children’s feelings of ethnic identity. This relation was mediated by children’s perceptions of parental expectations, suggesting that children must first perceive their parents’ expectations for these expectations to influence their ethnic identity. More positive parenting practices were related to stronger feelings of ethnic identity. Mothers’ parenting practices moderated the relations between mothers’ expectations and children’s ethnic affirmation and belonging. The results suggest immigrant mothers’ family obligation expectations provide an avenue for positive family identification and ethnic culture learning opportunities that may encourage children’s ethnic identity development.