Abstract

For many African immigrants to Canada, their reason of relocating can fall under a variety of push and pull factors of migration. Immigrants often settle in the host country and then have children. Many scholars have showcased the benefits of transnational ties for immigrants to their home country but rarely has this been examined through second generation immigrant children as being vessels of which this occurs. This research uncovered reasons why some Ghanaian and Nigerian-Canadian parents decided to send their Canadian born children to Ghana or Nigeria temporarily. Through qualitative data interviews with Ghanaian and Nigerian-Canadian parents from the Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area, this study explored how transnational identity impacted this type of migration for second generation African immigrant children in Canada. Through Durkheim’s socialization theory, the findings and themes explored the various aspects of transnational relationships and identities. Key Words: Transnationalism, Bifocality, Second Generation, Ghanaian/Nigerian-Canadian, Back Home, Socialization, Identity

Highlights

  • Bra fie na yɛ twɛn woo Come home, Come home Come home we are waiting for you Some second generation immigrant children whose parents have migrated to Canada may experience a time in their lives where their very distinct identities of their country of origin and the country they have settled in collide

  • The purpose of this research is to uncover the reasons as to why some Ghanaian as well as Nigerian-Canadian parents currently residing in Canada – within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area - have decided to send their children “back home” to Ghana or Nigeria temporarily

  • Through expressing reasons for sending their children “back home”, respect was consistent within all interviews

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Summary

Introduction

Bra fieBra fie na yɛ twɛn woo Come home, Come home Come home we are waiting for you Some second generation immigrant children whose parents have migrated to Canada may experience a time in their lives where their very distinct identities of their country of origin and the country they have settled in collide. Parents of second generation Ghanaian and Nigerian children born in Canada may struggle with how to raise their children in such a diverse environment They may be challenged with how to combat cultural identity confusion and socialization issues. For many immigrants in general, their reason for migration to Canada is often motivated by glamorized, top class Westernized education, long overdue family reunion or a strong pursuit for economic gain. If this is generally the case, my curiosity remains as to why some parents would decide to send their children back to a place where they have spent money, time and preparation to leave

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