Parenting perceptions in India and Uganda

Abstract

Parenting is both positively and negatively related to the wellbeing of children. To influence parenting, interventions are implemented worldwide. Research shows that there is no universal way of parenting. However, parenting strategies that are encouraged in interventions worldwide, are often derived from Western communities, with the risk of ignoring local needs and violating ethical codes. Crucial for parenting intervention development is research into local models of childrearing, which can be done by consulting local experts. For this reason, this study investigated parenting perceptions by consulting local experts in two different countries: India and Uganda. Moreover, this study aimed to provide suggestions for future intervention development. The ideal-parent beliefs approach (Lin et al., 2022) and the Parent Development Theory (Mowder, 2005) served as conceptual frameworks for this research. Respondents for this study were five Indian and five Ugandan experts working for Help a Child (Dutch NGO) in the areas of community work and parenting. The results of this study were collected through semi-structured interviews. This study showed that in both India and Uganda parents are the most important caregivers. Further the focus of parents is mainly on meeting the basic needs of children. Only in Uganda this comprises education as well. Parents in both countries exhibit little responsivity and sensitivity towards their children. In both countries the roles of fathers and mothers are separated. Lastly, Ugandan parents are more actively working towards a better future for their children than Indian parents. Recommendations for future intervention development and follow-up research are provided.