Socialization goals among first- and second-generation migrant Turkish and German mothers

Abstract

The current study examines generational differences in Turkish mothers' socialization goals following migration to Germany. A total of 78 working-class mothers from three different groups (Turkish first- and second-generation, and German non-migrant) participated. Each mother had a child between 18 and 36 months of age. Mothers were interviewed using the Socialization Goals Interview. The results indicate that compared to both groups of Turkish mothers, German mothers placed more emphasis on self-control as a socialization goal, and compared with the first-generation mothers only, were more concerned that their child develop characteristics associated with psychological independence and self-confidence. Among the Turkish mothers, more highly educated mothers placed less emphasis on the importance of respect towards others than did less educated mothers.