The growth of immigration, globalisation, social diversity, and advances in global technology have contributed to an increase in intercultural relationships and parenting in Australia. Much of the Australian research has focussed on parenting styles among different cultural groups and the impact on children, rather than the experiences of the parents. This research sought to address this gap.
This study aimed to explore the experiences of intercultural parents raising their children together. It sought to explore the challenges and strategies parents applied in negotiating cultural differences in their parenting approaches, as well as the strengths and opportunities of intercultural parenting. The study aimed to focus on the experiences of intercultural parents who do not seek professional help.
This study used a qualitative research method and social constructionist paradigm to delineate the experiences of intercultural parents. Semi-structured conjoint interviews were used to collect data from 14 couples living in the State of Queensland. Thematic analysis was used to code and analyse data. The analysis revealed four major themes of the couples’ experiences: (1) cultures coming together; (2) power relations; (3) reverse acculturation/enculturation; and (4) making intercultural parenting work.
A number of organisational policy, clinical implications for therapists and recommendations for future research are suggested.