PERCEPTION OF NIGERIAN IMMIGRANTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ON PARENTING STYLES AND DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR

Perceived parenting style captures adolescents’ interpretations of parental behaviour, it risks oversimplifying complex parent-child dynamics by neglecting broader cultural, social, and structural factors that shape both parenting and adolescent perception. Among the range of parenting approaches, the authoritative style characterized by a balance of high responsiveness, firm expectations, and constructive feedback is widely recognized as the most effective globally. This study investigates how Nigerian immigrant parents in the United Kingdom perceive and apply different parenting styles and how these perceptions influence their children’s deviant behaviour. Adopting a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research seeks to understand the lived experiences of parents and explore how cultural, social, and environmental factors inform their parenting practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve Nigerian immigrant parents to examine the intersection between traditional Nigerian parenting values and British societal norms. Through thematic analysis, key themes such as parental authority, disciplinary approaches, and the influence of the UK educational system on parenting were identified. The findings underscore the ongoing cultural negotiation Nigerian parents engage in as they adapt to a new sociocultural environment while attempting to maintain cultural continuity. This study reveals how divergent understandings of discipline and behavioural expectations shape parenting decisions and children’s behavioural outcomes. By offering insight into these experiences, the research contributes to wider academic discussions on immigration, acculturation, and the interplay between cultural identity, parenting practice, and child welfare frameworks within a multicultural society.