The Ethnic and National Identity of South Asian Immigrant Seniors Living in Edmonton, Canada
Abstract
The Canadian population is aging and also becoming more ethnically diverse. This study examined
differences in identities among South Asian seniors who immigrated at different life stages with
different lengths of residency in Canada. We interviewed 161 immigrants of South Asian descent
in Edmonton, Canada, aged 60 and older about their ethnic/national identity, transnational ties,
cultural retention and practices, and participation in and concerns about life in Canada. Our findings
show that women were more likely than men to see themselves as more South Asian than
Canadian. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that older age at immigration and low
English-language proficiency were significant predictors of ethnic identity. These findings indicated
the importance of language for ethnic and national (Canadian) identity and revealed that South
Asian immigrant elders who came to Canada in later life tended to retain their ethnic identities,
while immigrant elders who came to Canada earlier in life were more likely to have developed a
bicultural identity that incorporated both ethnic and Canadian identity. Related to the notion of
bicultural identity, strong transnational ties with the country of origin were associated with greater
participation in Canadian society.
Notes
Gaps identified
NA
Community organizations
local ethnic association and an immigrant settlement agency located in the Mill Woods
Key recommendations
More research is needed
Key populations
South Asian immigrant seniors
Key findings
Women were more likely than men to see themselves as more South Asian than Canadian.
Older age at immigration and low English-language proficiency were significant predictors of ethnic identity.
Language is important for ethnic and national (Canadian) identity. South Asian immigrant elders who came to Canada in later life tended to retain their ethnic identities, while immigrant elders who came to Canada earlier in life were more likely to have developed a bicultural identity that incorporated both ethnic and Canadian identity.
String ties with the country of origin were associated with greater participation in Canadian society.
Location
Edmonton, Alberta
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
Our respondents had been in Canada for 16.30 years on average (range 1 to 43 years).
Open-access – No