Integration experiences, identity formation, and sense of home and belonging : Iranian female and male newcomer youth in Halifax

Abstract

This thesis provides a qualitative study of integration, identity and the sense of home and belonging of a small sample of young, first generation, Iranian, upper-middle class immigrants in Halifax, responding to the hypothesis that identity and sense of home and belonging undergo major transformations through the process of integration. Twelve interviews were conducted covering language, education, employment, social and parental relations, community participation, ethno-cultural beliefs, dress code, sexuality, and gender identity. Using an intersectionality theoretical framework and a gender-based analysis, various psychological, ethno-cultural, gendered, aged, and class-based challenges in the process of integration, leading to identity transformations were explored and analysed in relation to senses of belonging in Canada. The findings were then contextualised within the socio-cultural conditions of Halifax. This study concludes with a series of policy recommendations and suggestions for further research on young immigrants.