A Qualitative Exploration of Post-Migration Family Dynamics and Intergenerational Relationships

Abstract

Migration can be a very stressful event that post migration involves major changes in family dynamics and intergenerational relationships. With plenty of literature discussing the challenges in these areas, this article focuses on the ways migrants perceive, navigate, and manage changes to their family structure, roles, and relationships. This study in Australia employed a participatory action research framework and qualitative focus groups with 164 migrants from seven ethno-cultural groups and a range of visa pathways. The data were analyzed thematically and revealed two major topics: Changes in Family Structure and Reconstructing Intergenerational Relationships and Roles. While acknowledging the challenges, the results demonstrate migrants' resilience and ability to manage post-migration changes across generations, genders, and cultures. Notably, the migrants' lives are characterized not only by a desire for multiculturalism and acculturation but also by the challenges that are related to assimilation and marginalization. This research highlights the important role that migrant and resettlement services can play in supporting families and community-oriented approaches to resettlement support. This may include the implementation of cross-cultural and intergenerational strategies drawn on the strengths of migrant families and their capacity to adapt to new and sometimes hostile environments.

Parenting Black children in White spaces: Skilled African migrants reflect on their parenting experiences in Australia

“…As a result, social workers are likely to have significant contact with immigrant parents and their children. Previous research has pointed out the need for sensitivity to different parenting values and cultural practices among health and social services providers (Ayika, Dune, Firdaus & Mapedzahama, 2018; Ramsay, 2016). Because many of these studies have focussed on refugees, further studies such as this one that explore the experiences and challenges of different migrant cohorts are necessary.…”

“…This homogenization may inform how social workers respond to parenting strategies in Black African families as the key concerns are often discussed through frameworks of ‘community deficiency, rather than strength, particularly when communities of colour are being examined’ (DePouw & Matias, 2016, p. 237). Decolonized social work practice therefore must acknowledge the damage of ‘single stories’ about immigrants and ‘move away from deficit‐focused discourses of acculturation’ (Ayika, Dune, Firdaus & Mapedzahama, 2018, p. 8). For social workers, understanding the parenting practices of migrant families from diverse backgrounds helps to expand knowledge on the complexity of parenting in multicultural contexts and to illuminate the ways in which parents manage the tensions emerging from this process.…”

‘Here, parents become nothing’: ‘Unparenting’ in Israel's policies toward Eritrean refugees

“…A recent study has demonstrated high levels of exposure to traumatic life events among Eritrean mothers living in Israel, as well as a correlation between mothers' mental health problems and children's social and behavioural difficulties (Mayer et al, 2020). Such hardships are commonly described in studies conducted with parents in the context of precarious migration (Ayika et al, 2018;Merry et al, 2017). However, while existing literature conceptualizes refugee challenges in and of parenting due to social and political hardships, we hold that the concept of unparenting helps illuminate the state's role in intentionally creating and intensifying these processes.…”

“…Refugee parents face complex mental, social, economic and other post‐migration challenges (e.g., Ayika et al, 2018; Stewart et al, 2015). Many are exposed to multiple traumatic events in their home countries and during their journeys (Silove et al, 2017), and the resulting mental health challenges they face may hinder their emotional availability for their children (Okitikpi & Aymer, 2003).…”

Family Demographic Transition in Saudi Arabia: Emerging Issues and Concerns

“…All these situations have long-term effects that influence family size, traditional values, norms of child care, and filial responsibilities in the Kingdom (Al-Khraif et al, 2019). As the country experiences frequent migrations, family connections and intergenerational relationship influence fertility and other demographic dimensions (Ayika et al, 2018).…”