Chapter 8: Parent–Child Relations in the Context of Migration and School

Educational attainment is key for societal integration and participation. In light of growing numbers of immigrants, the question of how school success of children with migrant backgrounds can be assured is of utmost importance, certainly for these children and their families but also for societal cohesion. Youngsters with a migration background are an important resource for the future, also considering the ageing of many modern societies today. The chapter by Matthiesen (Chapter 7, this volume) deals with a well-known problem: migrant parents’ lack of school involvement. The acculturation situation might therefore constitute a disadvantage for children of these migrant families right from the start, especially if we assume that parental involvement has in general positive effects on their children’s school success, able to reduce behavioral problems and to foster academic achievement. The present commentary will deal with these and other questions that have been raised by Matthiesen’s chapter.