Parenting While Black: Ethnic-Racial Socialization Among Netherlands-Based Caribbean and West-African Heritage Mothers

Objective:

This study explores how and why West African and Caribbean heritage mothers in the Netherlands engage in ethnic-racial socialization.Background West African and Caribbean communities have long histories in the Netherlands. Even though parents from these communities are tasked with helping children navigate mainstream Dutch culture, learn about their cultural heritage, and cope with discrimination, little is known about these parents' ethnic-racial socialization practices.

Method:

The authors used a mixed-methods approach and drew on self-report, observations, and interview data collected from Netherlands-based West African and Caribbean heritage mothers of 6- to 10-year-old children (N = 48).

Results:

The findings highlight how mothers engage in a range of ethnic-racial socialization practices, often proactively but at times reactively. The qualitative findings reveal how their cultural heritage, migration histories, and being racialized as Black shape these practices. In addition to these factors, mothers' ethnic-racial socialization practices were also informed by their perceptions of what children needed to learn to effectively navigate their environments (e.g., culturally diverse schools).

Conclusion:

The study contributes to the literature by highlighting the complexity of ethnic-racial socialization as a process that is proactive and reactive, as well as shaped by mothers' positionalities and the challenges they face in their environments.Implications These findings can inform the development of culturally appropriate measures in order to promote positive child development.