Chapter 6 Essay Question #2

Ashley Corl
Roster #6
The Question
Understanding the Asian American family can be helpful to educators because of the
major influence they play in learner’s identity and behavior. The European American
culture’s outlook on family can cause considerable conflict for Asian American youth.
Contrast these two views. Discuss ways educators can deal with these perspectives in the
classroom and with concerned parents.
Asian American Families
● Parents emphasize their children’s obligations to the family and their
responsibility to abide by family expectations
● Children are taught a respect for education, which is based on respect for the
authority of the teacher
● Parental emphasis on the importance of educational achievement
○ Asian American parents are more likely to structure their children’s lives for academic success
● Asian American children tend to be more dependent, conforming, and willing to
place family welfare ahead of their own individual wishes than are other American
children
European American Families
● Parents and families are expected to be involved in their children’s education and
to work as partners with teachers
● Cultural emphasis on independence and achievement becomes manifested in
parent’s expectations for self-reliance on the part of children
● Families expect youth to establish their own identities, leave the family home, and
create their own families
How can educators deal with these perspectives in the
classroom and with concerned parents?
● Consider the social & cultural contexts in which children grow up that may
influence developmental processes in Asian Americans
● Undertake objective assessments of each learner, rather than believe that all
learners are members of a model minority
● Arrange small group meetings with families to learn what the family expects of
the schools and the children, and to explain the school’s expectations to parents
Sources
Manning, M. L., & Baruth, L. G. (2000). Multicultural Education of Children and Adolescents (6th ed.). Allyn &
Bacon.