Traditionalism in the Family: A Comparison between Asian and British Cultures and between Generations

Abstract

The Asian British and the indigenous British have different underlying attitudes to family living and family structure and to the rights and obligations of individuals within the family. The data presented here were part of a survey covering many aspects of the experiences and attitudes of Asian parents born in the country of origin, and their young people now aged 18 - 21 years and resident for at least 10 years in Britain (120 families). A British control group was used where comparisons were relevant, as on this issue. Differences in traditionalism or ’old-fashioned attitude’ were hypothesized between generations and between ethnic groups and were found. Quotes from respondents themselves are used to discuss and to illustrate the differences.