Child-rearing in Ethnic Minorities (Bilingual Education and Bilingualism) Book

This volume offers insights into the child-rearing practices of the generations of the '70s and '90s from an ethnic minority (Punjabi) community living in Britain. The perspective is cross-cultural, comparing the views both of indigenous mothers in the Punjab and white mothers in the UK. The topics covered include rituals surrounding pregnancy, pre-natal care, the significance of religion, the learning of the mother tongue, bilingualism, identity and racism. What emerges is a picture of a community which is trying to reconcile the old traditions of their home country with the modern norms of their host society. The major pattern is that of continuity and change: this is illustrated throughout the book by the views of the mothers themselves. The findings highlight the relevance of the book's concern to ethnic minorities throughout Europe and North America.Read More