| Popis: |
This is a comparative study of the self-esteem of Pakistani (minority) and indigenous children in Scotland. The study examines: (1) whether there is any difference in the level of self-esteem of the Pakistani minority and the indigenous children; (2) what is the relationship between the self-esteem of these children and their (a) ethnic identity and preference (b) parents' child-rearing behaviour (viz " support, control, protection and methods of control) and (c) academic achievement; (3) how these relationships vary with sex and cultural background of the children; and (4) what is the most important social determinant of their self-esteem. The study is based on a sample of 160 children aged 10-11 (80 Pakistani minority and 80 indigenous). The two groups were equally divided by sex and culture, so that cross-sex and cross-cultural comparisons could be carried out. Furthermore, the mothers and class teachers of these children were interviewed in the study. The level of self-esteem of the children was assessed by the 'Pier Harris Short Form', the 'Semantic Differential Scales' and the class teachers subjective evaluations of the childrens' self-esteem. The ethnic identity and preference was measured by the 'Family Picture Test', specially prepared for the project. The parental child-rearing behaviour was measured by the 'Cornell Parental Behaviour Inventory' and by the structured interview conducted independently with the mother and child. Academic achievement was obtained from the respective class teachers on teachers' assessment forms for each child. Following are the main results of the study: (1) The Pakistani minority and the indigenous children have similar levels of self-esteem. (2) In both cultural groups ethnic identity and preference of the children did not show a significant relationship with their self-esteem. (3) In both cultural groups there is a positive relationship between the childrens' self-esteem and parental support and use of inductive methods of control. On the other hand, there is a negative relationship between the childrens' selfesteem and parental love withdrawal methods of control. The relationship between the child's self-esteem and parental control, protection and use of power assertion vary with the sex and cultural background of the child. (4) In both cultural groups there is a positive relationship between academic-achievement and the self-esteem of the children. (5) The most important determinant for the self-esteem of the children in both cultural groups is their parents' child-rearing behaviour. |
