School of Social Policy, Sociology
and Social Research
'Mixed Race' Parents' Identification of Their Children
I am a lecturer in sociology at the University of Kent, and I am starting a research project funded by the Leverhume Trust, a major funder of academic research.
Contemporary Britain is witnessing some significant changes to its population – namely the growth of both interracial relationships and of ‘mixed race’ individuals.
Many mixed individuals are or will have become parents themselves – prompting the fascinating question of how they, as parents, think about the racial identification of their own children.
While there has been growing research on mixed race children and young people in Britain, very little is still known about how ‘mixed race’ parents racially identify and raise their own children. How do mixed race parents identify themselves and is a mixed race identity something that such parents wish to transmit to their children? Just to be clear, this research focuses on individuals who are of mixed parentage and who are parents.
If YOU are a mixed race person (e.g. Black/White, Asian/White, Chinese/White, or some other combinations, or a child of a mixed parent), and a parent, aged 25 to 55, I would like to hear from you whether you are single or partnered. Or if you know of someone who would be interested in participating, please pass this on.
The research will investigate these questions by asking participants to complete a brief online survey, which will be followed by an interview with individuals. Interviews will be carried out at a time and in a location which is convenient for the participant. Strict confidentiality concerning participants’ names and details will be maintained during and after the research. A summary of findings will be available for those who are interested.
Participants must have attended at least secondary school in Britain (based in Britain since 11 years of age).
I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the research, either by email, or by phone.
Many thanks,
Email: A.M.Song@kent.ac.uk
Tel nos: 01227 827042 (office) or 07972172907 (mobile)