Opinion
Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, September 26, 2024
South Asian children have gained a reputation for excelling in academics, particularly in subjects like math, science, and technology. This perception is backed by research and data, but it is important to examine the reasons behind these high achievements. Are South Asian children truly better performers, and if so, what drives this trend? The answer lies in a combination of cultural values, parental expectations, and community dynamics. However, there are also significant pressures that come with this success.
Cultural emphasis on education
The cultural importance of education is central to the academic achievements of many South Asian children. In countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, education is seen as the primary means to upward mobility and social advancement.
For many South Asian parents, education is not just about securing good jobs. It is about survival and progress.
Sangeeta Gupta, a researcher in migration studies, writes, “Many South Asian immigrants view education as the currency of success in their new countries. This attitude often filters down to their children, who are taught from a young age that academic excellence is their ticket to a better future.”
Shalini Patel, the mother of two high-performing teenagers in Hamilton, echoes this sentiment and said, “We came here for the opportunities, and education is the key to unlocking those doors. That is why I make sure my kids know how important it is to focus on their studies.”
Parental expectations and involvement
Parental involvement and expectations are perhaps the most significant contributors to the high academic performance of South Asian children. In many South Asian households, parents are heavily invested in their children’s education, often going to great lengths to ensure success.
Dr Madhavi Menon, author of ‘The Pressure to Succeed: Academic Anxiety Among South Asian Students’ states that “South Asian parents often have very high academic expectations. These expectations come from a place of deep love but can sometimes become overwhelming for the child.”
Dr Menon’s research reveals that while this drive for academic success pushes children to perform well, it also creates a high-pressure environment.
Meera Sharma, a mother of two school-aged children shares her experience. “We do not want to put too much pressure, but we also know the opportunities we have had to give up for them to be here. It is hard to find that balance, but we do what we can to help them succeed.”
Community support and role models
The South Asian community plays a crucial role in reinforcing the importance of academic success. Community organisations, religious institutions, and cultural networks often provide additional educational support and mentorship, which helps create a positive learning environment.
In his book, “Asian Advantage: South Asians in the Global Workforce”, author Vivek Wadhwa highlights how the South Asian community fosters academic excellence. “In the South Asian diaspora, successful professionals, especially doctors, engineers, and lawyers, become visible role models for the younger generation. The community’s expectation of high academic standards is passed down, and young people internalise this as part of their identity.”
Asha Kapoor, an engineer and mother of two in Sydney, speaks to the influence of these role models: “My kids look at successful people in our community and know they can achieve the same. It makes them more motivated to work hard in school.”
Immigrant Experience
For many South Asian families who have emigrated to Western Countries, education represents the fulfilment of their migration goals. Their focus on academic success is often driven by the sacrifices they have made to provide better opportunities for their children.
Rakesh Singh, a first-generation immigrant in New Zealand, reflects on this pressure. “We moved here for a better life, and we expect our children to take full advantage of the educational system. But we also need to recognise that the weight of our expectations can sometimes be too much for the children to bear.”
Discipline and Work Ethic
A disciplined work ethic is another key factor that helps South Asian children excel academically. From an early age, they are taught the value of persistence and hard work, often seeing education as a long-term commitment.
Amy Chua, author of ‘Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother’ has written extensively about the strictness of some parenting approaches within Asian cultures, including South Asian communities.
She observes, “There is a belief that success comes through hard work, not just talent. South Asian parents, like other Asian groups, tend to emphasise discipline and structure when it comes to their children’s studies.”
Jessica Zhu, a high school senior in Hamilton says, “I am used to a strict schedule and that is why I have done well in school. I work on my schedule and set goals for every term. It has worked for me to know what I am working towards, and also create my own plan to achieve the targets.”
Challenges and downsides
Despite the academic success, there are challenges associated with these high expectations. Many South Asian students experience stress, anxiety, and even burnout due to the pressure to succeed.
Experts often comment on the need to be mindful of the psychological toll that high parental expectations can have. While the drive for success is important, there must be a balance to ensure children’s well-being is not compromised.”
Parents themselves often recognise this challenge. Shalini Gupta, mother of two, admits, “It is a fine line between pushing them to succeed and pushing them too hard. I try to encourage them without making them feel overwhelmed, but sometimes it is tough.”
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
