Eastern Religions and Their Influence on Parenting

This chapter discusses Eastern parenting styles that are informed by consideration given to spirituality and religion. The common themes in Eastern parenting emerge from the major principles consistent with collectivistic mores, the central role of elders in the lives of the child, and the importance of proscribed rituals as developmental landmarks in the child’s growth. Though there are differences conferred by religion within various parts of the Eastern hemisphere, the commonalities that exist stem from shared cultural norms. Vignettes chronicling the growth of two professional women raised in Eastern tradition and the style of parenting they experienced are presented to illustrate the complex relationship between culture, religion, and the impact of geographic transplantation.