A Qualitative Exploration of Post-Migration Family Dynamics and Intergenerational Relationships

Bibliographic Data

ID3521132
AuthorsDavid Ayika (Western Sydney University, corresponding author), Tinashe Dune (0000-0001-5758-7525, Western Sydney University), Rubab Firdaus (0000-0003-4139-9946, Western Sydney University), Virginia Mapedzahama (Western Sydney University)
Year2018
Volume8
Issue4
Pages215824401881175
Publication date2018-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSAGE Open (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2158-2440 • E-ISSN: 2158-2440
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/2158244018811752
OpenAlexW2901849356
LanguageEN
Citations received22
References cited31

Migration can be a very stressful event that post migration involves major changes in family dynamics and intergenerational relationships. With plenty of literature discussing the challenges in these areas, this article focuses on the ways migrants perceive, navigate, and manage changes to their family structure, roles, and relationships. This study in Australia employed a participatory action research framework and qualitative focus groups with 164 migrants from seven ethno-cultural groups and a range of visa pathways. The data were analyzed thematically and revealed two major topics: Changes in Family Structure and Reconstructing Intergenerational Relationships and Roles. While acknowledging the challenges, the results demonstrate migrants' resilience and ability to manage post-migration changes across generations, genders, and cultures. Notably, the migrants' lives are characterized not only by a desire for multiculturalism and acculturation but also by the challenges that are related to assimilation and marginalization. This research highlights the important role that migrant and resettlement services can play in supporting families and community-oriented approaches to resettlement support. This may include the implementation of cross-cultural and intergenerational strategies drawn on the strengths of migrant families and their capacity to adapt to new and sometimes hostile environments

Acculturation · Ethnic group · Focus group · Multiculturalism · Participatory action research · Psychological resilience · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Gender Studies · Migration and Labor Dynamics · Migration, Health and Trauma · Migration, Refugees, and Integration · Psychology · Social Psychology