Abstract
My paper investigates ten Punjabi-Sikh youth from the ages of 18 to 25, across Ontario, this study attempts to answer how Sikh youth identify themselves and what external and social influences affect perception and identity. As Punjabi-Sikh youth struggle to find their identity in the midst of competing expectations, they may face institutional and structural barriers that may further complicate their identity. While there is extensive literature on the reception of first generation Sikhs in Canada, there is minimal information on how second-generation Sikhs have integrated within the mainstream culture. There are many important questions to be answered, such as, do Western euro-centric values and beliefs by the mainstream contradict with traditional and cultural beliefs? How do youth accommodate some cultural and religious values over others? Are there multiple oppressions, which are in conflict with retaining an ethnic and cultural identity? How do the values, expectations, and beliefs of Punjabi-Sikh parents differ from their children's? How do youth negotiate their cultural and religious identity in the face of conflicting expectations from parents, school, and their community? These are just some of the questions that will be explored in this study.
Highlights
Information 1) H ow old are y o u ? ____ 2) Male or Female 3) W hich city do you reside in ?Questions about culture & religion4) W hat do you think the central cultural and religious values are o f the Sikh community? How do you view the Sikh religious and cultural community?5) How important is your culture and religion to you? 6) On a scale o f 1 to 10, how connected do you feel to other Sikhs and the com m unity? (1 representing not connected and 10 really connected)
Punjabi -Sikh youth, who are distinctly visible through their manner o f dress, religious symbols, and/or the length of their hair, must juggle their cultural and religious identity in the face o f conflicting expectations from parents and school
Given the gaps and criticism related to the available literature, my research will examine how Punjabi-Sikh identify themselves, their participation in religious organizations, the importance o f Gurdwaras, culture and the religion, parental expectations and values, gender differences, school influence and racism
Summary
Punjabi -Sikh youth, who are distinctly visible through their manner o f dress, religious symbols, and/or the length of their hair, must juggle their cultural and religious identity in the face o f conflicting expectations from parents and school. Hall (1995), Gobin (1999), and Bariana (1997) note that the values in Western schools differ from those of the Punjabi and Sikh cultures instilled at home. Given the gaps and criticism related to the available literature, my research will examine how Punjabi-Sikh identify themselves, their participation in religious organizations, the importance o f Gurdwaras, culture and the religion, parental expectations and values, gender differences, school influence and racism. While there is no religious basis for it, caste continues to be associated with Sikh values, while it is a Hindu belief and has no basis in Sikhism (Tatla, 1999) It is through this knowledge and his strong affiliation with the religion and culture, that Singh 1 notes that he consciously has chosen to shed this particular value. It would be helpful to further examine intergenerational conflict, as these issues are not readily discusses with PunjabiSikh families and the community
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
