Dr. Rasmussen will present findings from three studies from two decades of research with various West African immigrant groups.

Findings point to challenges often reported by new immigrants related to child-rearing and resolving spousal conflict. Parents’ concerns about children acting “American” are exacerbated by a fear of child protective services, leaving parents feeling at a loss for how they can stay true to their cultures’ strict values concerning child rearing. Children, who acculturate faster than their parents, often appreciate close monitoring and even strict discipline by parents but also feel they are somewhat limited by it. Spousal conflict also appears to be related to more conservative cultural norms, but is also related to the necessity of two-income households in the city.

Findings from all three studies are integrated to build a model of social problem-solving in West African communities, one that includes family members, neighbors, and community leaders, and then also state actors (police and welfare officials).