1. Objectifs

Intentions :
This article examines «how interracial couples negotiate and explain “race” to their children, along with various challenges related to parenting from two different backgrounds. [More specifically, author] examine[s] how parents’ decisions on whether or not to talk to their children about race within the home can impact a child’s identity development.» (p. 16)

Questions/Hypothèses :
The author hypothesizes «that interracial children look toward their parents and interactions within the family to form a cultural identity and proper understanding of race. When there is conflict among interracial couples on how to educate their children about race, children struggle to understand who they are.» (p. 16)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Données documentaires diverses

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

«The findings of this paper suggest that when conflict arises between interracial couples on how to appropriately talk to their child about race, a child will struggle to understand who they are. As a result, that child may lack self confidence and the necessary skills needed to tackle future challenges where they might encounter racial discrimination. [Then,] there are many socialization practices that interracial parents can engage in to promote their child’s understanding of who they are. Parents need to be able to have frequent and open conversations about race with their children. Cultural practices within the home can help biracial children recognize who they are and feel a sense of belonging with both heritages.» (p. 23) Moreover, author mentions the study of Le Gall and Meintel (2015) who analyzed cultural socialization practices used by interracial couples in Quebec. «The parents in this study […] sought to transmit three important cultural aspects of their identities to their children; language, contact with extended family, and visitation to the parent’s home country. [Indeed, many of them] encouraged their child to learn the first language of their spouse. This is because they viewed multilingualism and diversity as positive elements of their child’s mixed background, one that could offer them a sense of belonging. Language is also viewed as a means of communication to the extended family […].» (p. 23)