Fathering in New Culture- The Experiences of Pakistani Born Fathers in Norway

Abstract

Pakistani parents while bringing up their children in Norway. Motivated by personal observation and curiosity to know the different ways of parenting of new country, current study was designed to explore and document the experiences of Pakistani born parents and their adaptive mechanism with new culture. It was interesting to know how Pakistani parents have synchronized their original values with the demand of host society. Brining up children according to the new values would be interesting to know. In this thesis, perceptions of Pakistani fathers about parenting practices in Pakistan and in Norway were illustrated in cross cultural way. I tried to explore how fathers were raised in Pakistan and how they were raising their children in Norway. Challenges and opportunities faced and availed by fathers in new ways of parenting were documented. Eight informants were interviewed by using semi structure interview guide and data was analyzed with the help of qualitative method. Relevant theories like ecological system theory and acculturation model was consulted. Important themes like migration, culture, parenting, childhood, child upbringing, parenting styles and fathering were discussed at length. Perceptions of fathers about Norwegian values, their aspiration towards the better future of their children, managing different cultural values in day to day life and their attitude towards acculturation in Norwegian society were highlighted.