Parenting in diaspora: A Japanese case study of sojourners and stayers in Western Australia

Anne Becker; Ines  Tyson

doi:10.59400/apr.v2i1.1139

Anne Becker Curtin University, Western Australia, Perth 6102, Western Australia, Australia
Ines Tyson Curtin University, Western Australia, Perth 6102, Western Australia, Australia

Ariticle ID: 1139

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/apr.v2i1.1139

Keywords: social psychology; self-regulation; prosocial behaviours; collectivist societies; Japanese parenting style

Abstract

This paper examines the child-rearing practices and experiences of Japanese families parenting in diaspora in Western Australia (W.A.). Two groups are interviewed—the sojourners group (residing in W.A. for a short time while maintaining close contact with Japanese culture) and the stayers group (residing long-term in W.A. while assimilating into the Australian lifestyle). Participants in the research are asked about preferred traits for their children to develop while in Australia and the challenges and benefits of parenting in diaspora. The research seeks to illustrate embedded assumptions in child-rearing and how the values of collectivist and individualist communities are reflected in parenting styles. The findings of the study reveal that parenting in diaspora presents a unique opportunity to explore one’s parenting practices and values. Implications in relation to worldviews other than English-centric foci are discussed.

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