Parenting attitudes and practices of immigrant Chinese mothers of adolescents

Chinese parenting has historically been seen as more "authoritarian" than mainstream American culture. Recent research suggests that authoritarian parenting may be a Western concept that does not accurately depict Chinese socialization. This exploratory study sought qualitative information on the parenting style of Chinese immigrants. Results revealed central themes of watchful and subtle influence to conform with parental expectations. These expectations arose from parents' desires for their children to succeed and be "good people." Thus, aspects of Chinese parenting that have traditionally been ascribed to an "authoritarian" style may stem from an entirely different set of parenting attitudes and beliefs that are culturally-based.