CHILD-REARING IN ETHNIC MINORITIES J S Dosanjh and Paul A S Ghuman (University of Wales, Aberystwyth)  

DESCRIPTION

This book offers intriguing insights into the child-rearing practices of the generations of the1970s and 1990s from an ethnic minority (Punjabi) community living in Britain. The perspective is cross-cultural, comparing the views of indigenous mothers in the Punjab and white mothers in the U.K. The topics covered include rituals surrounding pregnancy, prenatal care, the significance of religion, the learning of the mother tongue, bilingualism, identity and racism. What emerges is a fascinating 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 dramaticaly illustrated throughout the book by the authentic voices of the mothers themselves. The findings highlight the pressing relevance of the books concerns to ethnic minorities throughout Europe and North America.

CONTENT

Setting the Scene

Investigating Ethnic Minorities

Section I: Child-Rearing Practices of Punjabis;

Section II: Findings from the Seventies Research

Early Child Care

General Personality, Development of Independence and Rewards and Punishment

Bilingualism, Religion, Identity and Racism

Home and School, Interest and Friendship

Continuity and change: Some Reflections

Bibliography
Appendix
Questionnaire

AUTHOR INFORMATION

J S Dosangh has taught Asian languages (Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu) in primary and secondary multicultural schools for several years. He was a Senior Lecturer at Bishop Linsdale College of Higher Education, now University of Derby. At present he is the Chief Examiner for Punjabi for the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (MEG).

Paul A.S. Ghuman has an international reputation in the feild of Multicultural Education. At present he teaches and researches at the University of Wales Aberystwyth. He is the author of The Cultural Context of Thinking (National Foundation of Educational Research), Coping with Two Cultures and Asian Teachers in British Schools (Multilingual Matters). He is also the coeditor of The Cognitive Development of the Indian Child and Bilingualism, Education and Identity (University Wales Press).

READERSHIP

Trainee teachers in the primary sector, social & health workers, welfare officers, students of child development.