Essay Example on Research aiming to understand how couples from Dissimilar

Bhugun 2017 carried out a research aiming to understand how couples from dissimilar cultural background manage their differences in educating their children Previous studies revealed that the number of intercultural couples has risen in Australia due to several factors including the increase of incomers Owen 2002 cited in Bhugun D 2017 Also differences in principles practices beliefs behaviours and language barriers only become a problem when these couples start having children Romano 2001 cited in Bhugun D 2017 According to Bradford Burns Vaughn and Barker 2007 cited in Bhugun D 2017 disagreements in parental ideals can affect children s psychological wellbeing Romano 2001 cited in Bhugun D 2017 proposed four solutions to overcome the challenges faced by intercultural parents He said that foreigner parents could conform to culture of the country where they live or both parents could make concessions on some of their beliefs and practices He added that the couple could either put their cultures aside and adopt one not theirs or keep vital aspects of both cultures and show mutual acceptance A qualitative and social constructionist approach was preferred for this study as it helps to obtain detailed illustrations of participants experiences 14 couples from various cultures and socioeconomic status all from South east Queensland took part to the investigation Participants were found via a renowned local radio station and newspaper an online publication a list of contacts from community workshop and via snowball method 

Other points of great frictions were in attributing children s home duties based on genders and defining the relation to keep with extended family Intercultural couples highlighted the benefits of having the extended family around However it was also pointed out that these relatives could encourage children s misbehaviour Participants wanted to enjoy their experience as parents and therefore found ways to minimise dissensions They found discussing all issues away from children to be helpful in solving all problems and suggested that couples discuss their preferences and differences before engagement Making concessions and entrusting partners with what they do best Furthermore respect flexibility tolerance and immersion were described as determining factors of the outcome of intercultural relationships and parenting However renouncing to own culture was sometimes the best option because of the partner s authority This investigation draws attention to that couples face the same difficulties whether from same culture or not but dissimilitude in origins intensifies intercultural couples challenges Talking and making decisions with the child's best interest in mind was identified as the main way of coping with challenges In the end Bhugun 2017 states that the sample size does not allow results to be considered as universal yet the study is transferrable and would be beneficial to counsellors therapists and researchers He said that self image and social environment were factors with negative effects on intercultural parents Despite the problems faced intercultural families delighted in the positive aspects of both cultures References Bhugun D 2017 Intercultural parenting in australia Managing cultural differences