Because I'm Black: What makes for well-functioning Aboriginal families in Brisbane

Abstract

Research on parenting has increased significantly over the last 30 years, with most literature focusing on Western views of parenting. This presents as problematic when attempting to generalise this information to minority cultural groups. There remains a shortfall in knowledge on effective parenting characteristics of Aboriginal child rearing. Most research on Aboriginal communities has focused on deficits and issues related to child protection, as well as guidance on how best to work with Aboriginal communities. There appears to be a reluctance to investigate or accept different cultural approaches to these issues, with the literature on Aboriginal parenting found to be, at times, misleading and misrepresentative. After a history of more than 200 years of dispossession and misrepresentation, it is timely to consider an important, although little This thesis is a qualitative study that employed a three-stage methodology. A content analysis was first conducted to establish a baseline understanding, by exploring three studies that commented on Aboriginal parenting from 1913 to 1989. Next, local Brisbane Elders participated in a focus group discussion to explore their experiences of being parented, as well as how they raised their own children. Finally, an ethnographic study incorporating participant observations, semistructured interviews and videoed interactions was completed with three participant families. This stage of the study explored the experiences of contemporary Aboriginal families and their parenting, and was the culmination of the methodological investigation.Through the application of a conceptual framework informed by critical theory and employing a postcolonial perspective, the research found that, despite experiences of trauma and difficulty, the families studied were raising their children in accordance with a unique style that met the cultural, developmental and emotional needs of their children. What this represented was a unique family systems approach to caring for children that incorporated intergenerational support, from grandmothers in particular, which enabled mothers to maintain their role as primary caregivers, as well as a focus on child development guided by interaction with the child's environment and play-based learning.The findings revealed that the model of care observed in the families has retained similarities to data identified in the baseline studies, suggesting there are aspects of Aboriginal approaches to child rearing that have remained fairly constant over time and across place. This is of significance especially in the fields of family support, program development and, even more saliently, child protection, where decisions to remove children need to be based on analyses iii employed within a framework of cultural understanding and safety, rather than decisions that affect Aboriginal parents and children who may justifiably conclude they are made 'because I'm black'. iv Declaration by authorThis thesis is composed of my original work, and contains no material prev...

What does the term childhood behavioural disorders mean in the context of Aboriginal culture within Australia? Part 2: Historical and social context

“…29 Colonisation involved imposing the values of the colonisers on Aboriginal people, who were defined as the 'other' or 'savage'. 32 Systems of laws enforced colonial ownership of land and the development of values and beliefs that devalued the existing culture. 29,32 This introduced a deficit way of thinking whereby Aboriginal practices including family life were seen in the negative or as lacking in some form.…”

“…32 Systems of laws enforced colonial ownership of land and the development of values and beliefs that devalued the existing culture. 29,32 This introduced a deficit way of thinking whereby Aboriginal practices including family life were seen in the negative or as lacking in some form. 29,33 Family life-ways within Aboriginal culture For Aboriginal people, there is a strong emphasis on relationships with the extended family which includes a communal or shared approach to raising children.…”

“…25,28 This involves care of children and sharing of material resources such as money and food. 28,32 The role of elders in Aboriginal culture is significant. Elders are highly respected and provide wisdom, leadership and education about aspects of life and society.…”

“…29 Aboriginal families have strong value systems based on their relationship to community and country. 32 Central to this is teaching children the interconnecting values of autonomy and caring for others. 28 These characteristics impact on the resiliency of Aboriginal people and are important to build on when working in partnership with Aboriginal people.…”

“…28 These characteristics impact on the resiliency of Aboriginal people and are important to build on when working in partnership with Aboriginal people. 32 There has been little acknowledgement of the differences and integrity of the parenting characteristics of Aboriginal people. 32 Dunstan et al, 33 in examining Australian national and state policy frameworks, discuss how Aboriginal family life continues to be positioned as deficient and dysfunctional.…”