Abstract

Social science studies of transnational migration confirm the importance of family links to migration. However, research neglects the focus on family in studies of East Asian return migration instead stressing how Asian job opportunities underpin the return of individuals. Our investigation of Asian family migration discusses how Asian youths take family and social relations into consideration when making decisions about where to live after graduation. We conducted qualitative interviews with 27 East Asian youths in Toronto, representing three different cohorts: second generation (those born in Canada); “1.5 generation” (those born in Asia who immigrated to Canada as youngsters); and foreign students. Youths follow the lead of their kin networks. The most likely returnees tend to be the 1.5 generation whose families maintain transnational relations to their countries of origin allowing their children to build their own Asian networks. These youth organise their careers after graduation to return to their land of ethnic origins. Given the pivotal role of family and their transnational social networks in decisions to return, other family variables related to the life cycle are also important to decisions. We also find gender differences; females are more likely than males to follow their partners’ preferences.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

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