The Impact of Migration on Marital Relationships: A Study of Ethiopian Immigrants in Toronto

Abstract

Little research has examined how migration affects marital relationships, or the processes by which immigrant couples adapt to their new circumstances. This paper presents data from a research project conducted with newcomer Ethiopians in Toronto, both married and divorced or separated. The objective of this paper is to document post-migration changes in the lives of newcomer couples and to examine the impact of post-migration changes on marital relationships. The study sample consisted of 25 participants, all of who were Ethiopian immigrants to Toronto. Both individual and focus group interviews were conducted. The major types of post-migration changes described by study participants were losses of household help, emotional support, income and status, and changes in gender roles. The impacts of these change on marital relationships were described as increased marital conflict, increased autonomy for women, increased mutual dependence, more joint decisionmaking, and changes in communication and intimacy. Study findings challenged the notion that the impact of post-migration changes on marital relationships is all negative. Recognising the potential for positive and negative changes in marital relationships following migration can inform the practices of settlement organizations and the development of violence prevention strategies for newcomer couples and communities. Findings also have implications for the development of theory on the etiology of IPV. However, future research is necessary to confirm study findings with other immigrant communities representing different migration and resettlement experiences to identify commonalties and synthesize results across communities.