South Asian Canadian Women: A Contemporary Portrait

Abstract

Themes emerging from a comprehensive review of empirical studies of South Asian immi grant women in Canada are identified. These reflect on the dynamics of the women's cultural adaptation and evaluation of self-image, placed within the perspective of Canada's historic attitudes toward South Asian immigration and recent demographics. The four sources of change in the women's self-image include their new dualistic world-view, described by psych ologist Josephine Naidoo, involving both traditional values in family life and western values of personal development. Naidoo's conceptualisation parallels Harry Triandis' collectivist- individualist "balance" and John Berry's integrative acculturation. For sociologist Helen Ralston, the trauma of migration increases the saliency of religion in "sacralising" the women's identity. Intergenerational conflict arises from a preference for arranged over romantic marriages in South Asian cultures. The emotional strain on immigrant brides and their parents impacts on the self perceptions of both. Similarly, gender oppression, sex exploitation, classism and racism rooted in ancestral-host cultures also impact on the women's self perceptions. The article suggests drawing on indigenous concepts in studying South Asian cultures. It asserts that Canada's historic accommodation of diversity assures a promising future for South Asian Canadian women.