Similarities and Differences in Acculturation Among Mothers, Fathers, and Children in Immigrant Chinese Families

Abstract

Similarities and differences in acculturation in multiple domains were evaluated among mothers, fathers, and children in 88 immigrant Chinese families in Canada. Parents and children differed most in host culture domains (public Canadian behaviors and private Canadian values) and were most similar in ethnic private domains (Chinese identity and values). Differences in the ethnic public domain (Chinese behaviors) were moderate. Unexpectedly, considerable mother-father differences were also evident across domains. The predictors of parent-child differences varied by domain. Differences in public domains were larger in mother-child dyads and in families with longer residence in Canada. Differences in ethnic private domains were larger in father-child dyads and in families characterized by less warmth. Findings are discussed in terms of the domain specificity of cultural transmission and the influence of immigrant parents in host versus ethnic dimensions.