“Lived Lives” of South Asian Parents in the UK: Thematic Analysis of the Parenting Interviews

Introduction

In chapters 5 and 6 of this book, the author has captured some powerful narratives of some parents who have shared their styles of parenting, circumstances, their adaptations, struggles and their “lived lives” here in the UK. It is useful to note that most family structures were nuclear families – with some families supported by their extended families here in the UK and other parents all by themselves in the family unit. Some families had mothers as the primary care giver, where the parents had separated due to divorce and a new relationship with another partner was ongoing. Some intercultural marriages/relationships, stepchildren and blended families were also participants in the interviews. This gave a very comprehensive perspective to the evolving and changing family structures in the present times and added deeper understanding of another important aspect of South Asian parenting. The diversity of religion, region, cultures, parenting style, struggles, emotional and psychological factors for each family was unique and set them apart from the others. The interviews shared their hugely emotional journeys of missing their own country, family, and culture. The majority of the interviewees shared how they compensated this by various other means to give their children a flavour of what their cultural, country, and regional roots are.

The semi-structured interviews conducted with South Asian parents in the UK reveal a rich tapestry of experiences and values that inform their parenting styles. Despite the wide diversity in religious, social, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, common themes emerged, highlighting the universal aspects of parenting while also underscoring the unique challenges faced by immigrant families. The process of adaptation was a recurrent topic, as parents spoke of the need to quickly adjust to a new environment and society. This adjustment was not merely a matter of personal change but a complex negotiation of values, where the importance of education, the preservation of cultural knowledge, and the instillation of life values played pivotal roles.

The reasons for migrating to the UK were as varied as the individuals themselves, ranging from seeking job opportunities to escaping conflict-ridden regions, all in pursuit of a better lifestyle and education for their children. This diversity of motivations underscores the multifaceted nature of immigration and its impact on family dynamics. The interviews painted a picture of resilience, as parents recounted their struggles to maintain their cultural identity while also integrating into British society. They spoke of the delicate balance between preserving their heritage and embracing new ways of life, a balance that is reflected in their parenting approaches. The overarching themes that emerged from the interviews—adaptation, value negotiation, and resilience—offer insights into the lived experiences of South Asian parents in the UK. These themes are not only indicative of the individual journeys of the families but also reflect broader social and cultural shifts that occur when people move across borders. The interviews provide a window into how immigrant parents navigate the complexities of raising children in a country different from their own, highlighting the universal challenges of parenting and the additional layers that come with migration.

The key themes pulled out of the narratives are outlined under various subheadings for the reader-