Título
Parenting in an intercultural context: lived and told experiences of Ugandan immigrants in Norway
Autor
Kabatanya, Carol Lynnet
Resumo
en
This was a pioneer study among Ugandan immigrants in Norway, aimed at exploring their
parenting experiences. Particularly; their perceptions on factors which inform and influence
parenting orientations, how cultural shifts are negotiated as well as opportunities and
challenges associated with parenting within the Norwegian context.
A qualitative study of narrative inquiry was conducted, complemented by microethnography under the paradigm of social constructivism. Six participants (4 female and 2
male) were purposively sampled through snowballing, under the criteria that the immigrant
parents are Ugandan and have resided in Norway for more than 3 years and have children below
18-years, born prior or post migration. The study employed a thematic narrative analysis
underpinned by ecology, cultural, social capital and acculturation theoretical perspectives.
Findings showed that parenting experiences constituted a mixture of both lived and told
experiences, legitimised in the dynamics of storytelling. The study revealed insights on
transnational parenting practices. Findings showed that participants kept emotional, social, and
economic ties with Uganda, in addition to drawing selectively and instrumentally from the
Norwegian context to acquire a balance. Further, it was accentuated that regardless of
differences in cultures, the desired end goal of parenting is the same, though it’s the means that
are debatable, as the end goal can be achieved through different cognitions and practices.
Paradoxically differences in sociocultural values, norms, and practices, turn into a sameness
that excludes others.
The study had implications for social work theory and practice, regarding the impact of
cultural assumptions on perceptions, behaviours, and interventions. Consistent with previous
studies on parenting in an intercultural context, this study concluded that parenting is complex
and dynamic. Despite adapting, participants’ narratives revealed struggles in reconciling the
Norwegian and Ugandan cultural values and norms. They faced a dilemma in maintaining their
cultural identities of origin, at the expense of inhibiting their children from integrating into the
Norwegian society. Disparities in acculturation between parents and children created tensions.
In turn, this accounted for interventions by the Norwegian Child Welfare Services, when
expectations of modelling behaviour in accordance to respective values and norms were not
met.