This literature review distinguishes culture clashes, parental miscommunication, and limited communal support as the primary causes for immigrant household tension and violence. 

This review understands culture clashes as the difficulties emerging from the drastic differences between western and non-western cultures as a result of differing acculturation strategies by immigrants and the diaspora. Although culture clashes appear in varying ways, this review discusses the prominent four. Firstly, the literature highlights issues of discipline and respect as a major disconnect between immigrants and the diaspora as western and non-western cultures display and understand respect differently (Derby and Foner, 2011). These differences in understanding creates sentiments of disrespect in immigrant parents and the overwhelming thoughts of being unable to discipline their children. This is heightened for working immigrants who, as highlighted by the second disconnect, worry western culture corrupts their children by exposing them to sex, drugs, and alcohol at a young age (Derby and Foner, 2011).  The third disconnect concerns academic success in which the diaspora express sentiments of strain and exhaustion as their parents pressure them to achieve academic success, resulting in increased tension and parental distrust (Derby and Foner, 2011; Onwujuba, 2016). Lastly, as discussed by Derby and Foner (2011) and Webmaster (2021) the final cultural clash concerns strict parental control which builds resentment, behavioral changes, or even violence. 

The second cause for familial household tension and violence concerns parental miscommunication and marital issues stemming from varying cultural adaptations of gender norms. More specifically, the gender constructs present in many African cultures largely differ from the gender practices in western cultures, and as a result tensions arise when families attempt to mitigate western responsibilities with African practices (Webmaster 2021). For example, many African cultures recognize male patrons as the provider and female patrons as caretakers; however, in western culture, which oftentimes requires both partners to work and provide for the household, the cultural understanding of gender norms are challenged causing strain and violence if not addressed. As discussed by Okeke-Ihejirika, Punjani & Salami, (2022), clear communication between parents about shifting gender roles and expectations of household support is crucial in combating familial tensions and interpersonal violence. In addition, the literature discussed the importance of both parents' involvement in their children’s activities, emphasizing the significance of men, who are typically secluded due to culture, stating their participation results in their children’s trust and loyalty (All4kids, 2023). 

Lastly, limited communal support in child-raising activities is distinguished as a main cause for increased tension and violence within the household. For immigrants who culturally relied on their community for support in their country of origin, migrating to the west poses a multitude of challenges (Onwujuba, 2016) ranging from mental and physical health issues to economic consequences. For parents with a migrant identity who oftentimes struggle with language, racism, and limited resources, managing the family’s economic well-being, the children’s success, and their own well-being seems impossible (KFF, 2019). In addition, on a systemic level, research reveals that neighborhoods considered disorderly (littering, vandalism, etc.) increases familial stress (Economic Policy Institute, 2019). This is especially evident for poorer immigrant families residing in low-income neighborhoods with high levels of disorder whose familial tension and children’s access to violence is exacerbated. Literature suggests that offering community based support discussing the causes, consequences, and manifestations of familial violence and tension can change behaviors and attitudes (McMullen, 2021).