Intergenerational transmission and change of religious parenting: an explorative study of Christian- and Winti-based maternal parenting and coping across three generations of Afro-Surinamese families in Paramaribo, Suriname

This study explores the use and intergenerational transmission of Afro-Surinamese religion in parenting and their contribution to child development and motherhood. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 Afro-Surinamese Creole families, with 36 mothers, living in Paramaribo, Suriname. Each family consisted of three generations of mothers: a grandmother (G1), her daughter (G2), and granddaughter (G3). Using the software program Atlas-ti, the analysis revealed four main themes: family context, intergenerational shifts in religious orientation, Christian parenting, Winti parenting. Results suggest that intergenerational transmission and change of religion in parenting are related to religious coping, spirituality, the social and moral development of children, and family structures. More investigations are needed to substantiate these intergenerational patterns. The integration of religion and spirituality in the training of mental health professionals and in research institutes is recommended.