WEEK 04: An Historical and Cross-cultural Look at Family Life

What are push factors in migration?

Factors that force people to leave their home country, such as war, persecution, discrimination, or unemployment.

What are pull factors in migration?

Factors that attract people to a new country, such as better jobs, education, safety, and family reunification.

How has global migration changed over time?

It has increased significantly, with over 240 million international migrants by 2015.

What proportion of Canada’s population was foreign-born in 2011?

About 21%, one of the highest among G8 countries.

What is an immigrant family?

A family with at least one foreign-born member, often defined as having a foreign-born primary household maintainer.

Why is defining “immigrant family” difficult?

Because definitions vary across studies and cultures, making comparisons challenging.

How do cultural backgrounds shape immigrant families?

Families bring unique kinship systems, values, and social norms from their home countries.

Who were the earliest European settlers in Canada?

Mainly people from France and England, later joined by other Europeans.

What was the Chinese Head Tax?

A fee introduced in 1885 to restrict Chinese immigration.

What was the Komagata Maru incident?

A 1914 event where South Asian migrants were denied entry to Canada and forced to return to India.

What major discriminatory immigration practices existed in Canada’s past?

• Chinese Head Tax

• Exclusion of Jews

• Japanese internment (1942)

What changed in Canadian immigration policy in the 1960s?

Policies became less discriminatory, allowing entry based on skills rather than race.

What is the points-based assessment (PBA) system?

A system (introduced in 1967) that evaluates immigrants based on education, language, and skills.

What is multiculturalism in Canada?

A policy promoting cultural diversity while allowing people to maintain their identities.

What is acculturation?

The process of adapting to and exchanging cultural traits with a new society.

What is the Family Reunification Program?

A policy allowing immigrants to sponsor close family members to join them in Canada.

What is a multi-generational household?

A household where three or more generations live together.

Why are multi-generational households increasing?

Due to immigration and family reunification policies.

Benefits of multi-generational households?

• Childcare support

• Cultural transmission

• Stronger family bonds

Challenges of multi-generational households?

• Intergenerational conflict

• Language barriers

• Loss of independence for elders

What is transnationalism?

Maintaining social, economic, and emotional ties across countries.

What are astronaut families?

Families split across countries, often with one parent working abroad while others stay in Canada.

What are satellite (or parachute) kids?

Children who live in Canada while parents remain abroad.

Why do families adopt transnational arrangements?

To gain economic opportunities and cultural advantages (e.g., education).

What is filial obligation?

Cultural expectation that children care for and respect their parents.

What is intergenerational solidarity?

Strong cohesion and support between generations in a family.

What is cultural brokering?

When children help parents navigate a new culture (e.g., translating, explaining norms).

What is family shame?

Cultural pressure to uphold family reputation, influencing behaviour and decisions.

What is bicultural identity?

The ability to navigate and integrate two cultures.

Why do intergenerational conflicts occur in immigrant families?

Differences in cultural values between parents and children.

What role do second-generation children often play?

What role do second-generation children often play?

What is intersectionality?

A framework that examines how multiple identities (race, gender, class) shape experiences.

Why is intersectionality important for studying immigrant families?

It helps explain complex, overlapping social and structural challenges.