Bridging Cultures: Navigating Parenting and Integration Challenges Among Black Immigrant Families in Western Societies

Background and Purpose:

Black immigrant families in Western societies face unique challenges stemming from systemic, cultural, and interpersonal dynamics, with cultural preservation and adaptation being central to their experiences. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the challenges and adaptation strategies of Black immigrant families in Western contexts, utilizing Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory and Berry's Acculturation Framework to dissect the interplay between systemic forces and individual and family strategies for cultural preservation and adaptation.

Methods:

A qualitative research design was employed, featuring in-depth interviews with 13 Black immigrants from various African countries, all residing in the United States. Purposive sampling was utilized to ensure representation of diverse experiences. Our methodology was designed to capture the essence of the participants' narratives on parenting practices, interactions with social services, and encounters with systemic biases. Thematic analysis was conducted with an emphasis on reflexivity, triangulation, and peer debriefing to enhance the study's credibility and rigor. Specifics of this process included coding procedures and regular team meetings to discuss and resolve discrepancies in theme identification.

Results:

Our findings revealed three themes: Navigating Cultural Identity and Adaptation delves into the balancing act these families perform between preserving their cultural heritage and adapting to new societal norms. This theme emphasizes the pivotal role of cultural identity, deeply rooted in community and familial traditions, and the complex negotiations required to adapt without forsaking one's cultural essence. Participants' narratives provide a vivid illustration of their profound values and the complexities involved in tailoring cultural practices to a new environment, showcasing the constant negotiation between tradition and adaptation. Challenges from Systemic Misunderstandings highlights the conflict that arises when traditional African parenting methods are misinterpreted through a Western lens, leading to miscommunications with institutions like schools and child welfare services. This theme explores cultural chasm and underscores the imperative for services that recognize and respect the diverse backgrounds and parenting philosophies of immigrant families, advocating for a shift towards more culturally specific support systems. Participants shared experiences of conflict with service providers, illustrating the need for a more inclusive and understanding approach that bridges cultural divides. Cultural Brokering as an Integration Strategy explores the proactive mediation and facilitation between differing cultural systems, a method that transcends linguistic adaptation or superficial behavioral adjustments. Cultural brokering is depicted as a forward-thinking approach to integration, whereby individuals act as intermediaries, fostering understanding and mutual respect between cultures. The narratives from participants underscore their intermediary roles, championing a deeper understanding and respect between cultures, and affirming that integration involves more than just language or behavior—it's about building bridges between diverse cultural worlds.

Conclusions and Implications:

The study calls for a shift in social work practice and policy towards a more culturally responsive and inclusive approach, grounded in relevant theories and incorporating culturally sensitive training for social workers. It emphasizes the need for policy reforms to address systemic biases and support a more equitable environment for all immigrants, underlining the importance of understanding and integrating the unique experiences of Black immigrant families.