The Outcomes of Resource Use in Migrant Families

Abstract

A sample of 41 migrant mothers and their sons provided test and interview data spanning a ten year period. These were used to develop and examine a measure of the socioeconomic and non material resources of the families. This correlated strongly with achievement and personality measures of the sons over ten years. In comparison with a large cross-sectional sample of native born men, the educational achievements of the migrant group were found to be superior, despite initial disadvantages due to their immigrant circumstances. These effects are explained in terms of compensating parental efforts and skills. With regard to personality outcomes, however, the performance of men from low resource families in the migrant group was inferior both to those with high resources and to the native born group as a whole. Parental contributions are again considered, and a close study of specific parental competences is proposed.