Chapter 9: Asian Indian Family Socialization Patterns and Implications for American Schooling

Oral history interviews with Asian Indian immigrants explored attitudes and perspectives toward education and childrearing. Asian Indians in the U.S. emphasize the importance of family and interdependent relationships, the value of education for securing status and long-term financial success, and respect for elders and authority figures. Interviewees contrasted Asian Indian traditions of parental influence on career choice, extended childhood, and deference to elders with mainstream U.S. norms. Commitment and subservience to interests of extended family is deeply impressed upon Asian Indian children from infancy onward; habits of deference and obedience are rewarded while independent or individualistic attitudes are discouraged.