Exploring the Shifting Power Dynamics Within Intimate Partnerships Among West African Immigrants in Lethbridge, Southern Alberta, Canada
Abstract
This study’s findings contribute to a body of research that explores power dynamics within intimate partner relationships among African immigrants in Lethbridge. The purpose of this research was to 1) explore shifting power dynamics within intimate partnerships among West African immigrants in Lethbridge, Southern Alberta, Canada, and 2) to address the existing literature gap related to power dynamics within intimate partnerships among West African immigrants in Lethbridge, Southern Alberta, Canada.
An exploratory descriptive qualitative research study design, incorporating semi-structured, in-depth interviews as the primary data collection technique was used to collect data from a purpose/snowball sample of individuals who have knowledge and experience of shifting power dynamics in intimate partnership following immigration to Canada.
The findings of this research study indicated that gender intersected with other social, economic, and cultural factors to influence power dynamics within intimate partner relationships among West African immigrants in Lethbridge.
Notes
Integration timeline
First two years
Key populations
- Africans
- West Africans
- first generation immigrants
Gaps identified
- Inclusion of translators in future studies in order to gain more participation
- A longitudinal study pertaining to this topic
- Inclusion of LGBTQ relationships in order to gain more perspectives in dynamics
- Differing educational backgrounds in participants, as many participants for this study were well educated/highly skilled
Key findings
- Many participants do not believe they belong in Canada, and hope to move back to their country of origin, especially due to family, and ethnic food availability
- Social gatherings was a large source of getting introduced to African individuals, and loss of identity was a large difficulty to getting adjusted to Canada, and resulted in increased stress
- Most participants chose to settle in locations with large immigrant populations, and in locations with connections before arrival, resulting in a smoother transition to Canadian life
- Views on gender constructs are variable between participants, with some strongly for, and some strongly against strict gender roles, and influenced by Canadian culture
- Some participants believed that the process of recertification in their career field involved racism due to large levels of experience in immigrants from their home countries, and many participants indicated experiencing racism in the labour market
Community organizations
Key recommendations
Location
- Lethbridge
- Alberta
Open-access – Yes
