Despite Political Rifts, 90% of Parents Value Cultural Diversity

As the 2024 election approaches and polarization reaches a fever pitch, bleak messages of divisiveness have left many in the nation feeling unmoored. But parents across the country are focusing on a different story: one of empathy, kindness and cultural understanding for the next generation. A recent survey from The Bump reveals that the vast majority of parents, regardless of age or ethnicity, believe in the importance of embracing and celebrating our cultural differences.

The Bump survey found that 87 percent of parents believe children should be exposed to other cultures, and 90 percent agree children should be taught to understand and respect cultural differences. What’s more, three out of four parents feel that prioritizing this cultural exposure is important at the earliest stages of childhood, starting from infancy. Eighty-two percent of parents agree learning about other cultures positively impacts a child’s social skills, while 60 percent plan for their children to learn a second language.

This commitment to embracing cultural diversity and acceptance seems to extend beyond the classroom, with 84 percent of parents encouraging their children to play with children from other cultures and 78 percent pushing for their children to be exposed to more diverse cultures than they were as kids.

“Our survey results reveal that parents are highly supportive of fostering cultural understanding and acceptance, showing a willingness to embrace diversity and instill these values in the next generation,” said Jen Hayes Lee, Head of Marketing and Content at The Bump. “We believe these findings offer a hopeful narrative, highlighting the common ground many Americans share and reminding us that unity is still possible.”

This past month The Bump surveyed 1,016 parents and parents-to-be across the country to help identify the major trends in how parents intend to raise their kids. Of those surveyed, 30 percent were people of color and 70 percent were caucasian, and 36 percent identified as Gen Z while 64 percent were Millennials or older. We’ll be highlighting those learnings in an upcoming edition of The Bump Future of Parenting Report, which delves into the pressing concerns and aspirations of parents and how they will be shaping the parenting styles of today and tomorrow.