Consequences of Immigration for Families: Structure, Culture, and Relationships

Abstract

Qualitative research, including in-depth interviews with adults and drawings by children, was used to examine and evaluate changes and transformations in the family structures of immigrants living in Denizli and Aydın after migrating to Turkey because of political pressure and war. The research involved eight immigrant parents and 14 elementary school students. Despite limitations in scope and number of participants, this study was designed to contribute to the literature. Its findings show that although immigrants are satisfied and happy with their migration to Turkey, they have endured some negative effects. Some of these negative effects are unemployment, language barrier, being away from their home country, and also migration hurts immigrants economically, bringing with it negative social effects on immigrants’ status and economic class.