Cultural Perspectives on Bed Sharing: Asia vs. the West

This article explores the cultural importance of bed sharing in various Asian countries, highlighting how the practice contrasts sharply with perspectives held in the West, especially in the United States.

In many Asian countries, bed sharing among families is not only common but considered a fundamental aspect of parenting, while in the West, particularly the United States, the practice often raises eyebrows and comes with significant debate. In the U.S., parents often face pressure to use separate sleeping arrangements for infants, influenced by safety concerns and a cultural push for independence among children.

In countries like South Korea, parents may choose to share beds with their young children to foster a close bond during their formative years. Erin Lim, a Seoul resident, echoes this sentiment, explaining how her own upbringing in a multi-generational bed-sharing household shapes her parenting style today. "It's so common that no one thinks, 'Is it uncommon?'" says Lim, who stopped sharing a bed with her sons only after they reached preschool age.

Research shows bed sharing to be vastly more accepted in Asia, where over 60% of families in countries like China and Japan report sharing beds with young children. In contrast, bed-sharing rates in the U.S. range between 5% and 15%, though some argue that the true figures may be higher due to parents underreporting the practice due to societal stigma.

In practical terms, urban living conditions in cities like Hong Kong and Singapore often dictate these sleeping arrangements, as many families face space constraints. Vicky Tsang, a parenting influencer in Hong Kong, explains that in her city, limited apartment sizes push families towards bed sharing, which can sometimes last well into the primary school years.

Alongside practical considerations, social expectations also play a significant role in bed-sharing practices. Dr. Heejung Park, a psychology professor, notes that mothers in some Asian societies may face social pressure to continue bed sharing lest they be perceived as neglectful parents. Conversely, in places like Singapore, the influence of Western practices has created a divide where some parents feel obliged to adopt sleep training methods despite cultural leanings towards co-sleeping.

Ultimately, the choice to bed share reflects deeper cultural values around family, attachment, and child-rearing practices, illustrating the contrasts and commonalities in parenting across different regions of the world. By understanding these diverse perspectives, we gain insight into how sleep arrangements can shape family dynamics and contribute to a child’s development throughout their growth years.