Document Type
Article
Version
Author's Final Manuscript
Publication Title
Parenting: Science and Practice
Volume
14
Publication Date
2014
Abstract
Objective. This study examines East Asian versus Western parents’ valuation of child socialization goals and aims to shed light on the contributions of social change and sociodemographic factors to child socialization. Design. Using global surveys of values in three waves from 1989 to 2010, we examined East Asian and Western parents’ endorsement of 10 socialization goals. Results. Contrary to the widespread individualist-collectivist dichotomy, East Asian parents were more likely than Western parents to prize canonical individualist socialization goals (e.g., independence), and Western parents were relatively higher than East Asian parents in their endorsement of obedience, unselfishness, and tolerance/respect as valued child qualities. Additionally, parents were more likely to endorse individualist socialization and less likely to value collectivist socialization if they were born in later birth cohorts, had higher education and income, and used more information/technology. The findings were similar across mothers and fathers. Conclusions. Our study challenges stereotypical assumptions about East Asian versus Western parents. It advocates for the consideration of specific cultural dimensions as well as social class and generational differences in understanding child socialization cross-culturally.
Publisher's Statement
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Parenting: Science and Practice on May 8, 2014, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/15295192.2014.914345
Citation
H. Park, J. A. Coello, and A. S. Lau, "Child Socialization Goals in Western versus East Asian Nations from 1989 to 2010: Evidence for Social Change in Parenting," Parenting: Science and Practice 14.2 (2014): 69-91.
DOI
10.1080/15295192.2014.914345