Racial Disparity in Parenting Practice Among Parents With Young Children

Abstract

This study examined the racial disparity in parenting practices among families with young children. Based on the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-K: 2011 (The ECLS-K: 2011, n = 18,043), parents were categorized as White (46.9%), Black/African–American (13.2%), Hispanic (25.3%), Asian–American (8.5%), and Other races (Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander, and American Indian, 6.1%). Parenting practices included parents’ teaching behaviors (reading a book, telling a story), expectations toward their children’s education, parental involvement, and parental discipline practices. Asian–American parents showed more authoritarian parenting practices, African–American parents were more engaged, and Hispanic parents exhibited more discipline. White families are more likely to provide supportive and less harsh environments, and parents of other races (Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander, and American Indian) used less authoritative discipline and had lower expectations toward children’s education. Parental education programs about the similarities and differences of culturally competent parenting practices could contribute to positive child development.