Negotiating difference and belonging in families from mixed racial, ethnic and faith backgrounds in Britain: Implications for mental health

Shuby Puthussery
,
Chamion Caballero
,
Rosalind Edwards

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 Good Health and Well

Abstract

Poster presentations: abstracts Key points * Mixed-parent couples in Britain were often in sustained relationships, and a high proportion were middle class. * The couples interviewed used three typical approaches to instil a sense of belonging in their children; particular approaches were not associated with particular racial or faith combinations: o Individual: children's sense of belonging was not seen as rooted in their mixed background. o Mix: children's mixed background was understood as a factual part of their identity; all aspects were emphasised. o Single: one aspect of children's mixed background was stressed. * Couples whose approach differed in giving their children a sense of belonging were not necessarily in conflict. For some, divergent approaches were complementary. Others saw difficulties between them as humanistic, political or personality choices. * Parents identified supportive or constraining resources and relationships in creating a sense of belonging, including neighbourhoods, schools, travel, languages, grandparents and children themselves. What some regarded as supportive, others saw as drawbacks. * Mixed-parent couples can be more concerned with other issues, such as children's safety and health, unity over discipline and financial security. * The researchers conclude that it is important that family support, health, education and social services do not make assumptions about mixed families. Families who seem to share a form of mixing can differ from each other. 'Mixedness' may be insignificant for some, compared to other issues. Mixed families would benefit from policies and practice that further tackle prejudice based on race and faith.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 209

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

European Journal of Public Health (Volume 18, Issue Suppl. 1)

Publication milestones

Published - 30/09/2008

Publication status

Published - 30/09/2008

ISSN

1101-1262

External Publication IDs

handle.net: 10547/625251