Punjabi women living in eastern Canada: a study exploring how parental attitudes influence intergenerational cultural preservation and ethnic identity formation

The purpose of this study was to explore how parental attitudes influence intergenerational cultural preservation and ethnic identity formation among Punjabi women living in eastern Canada. Three research questions were examined: (1) How are culture and values communicated, transmitted, and preserved among intergenerational Punjabi women? Do the participants articulate a problem around communication and cultural preservation? (2) What are intergenerational Punjabi women's perceptions and experiences concerning cultural preservation and their ethnic identity formation? How does one develop a bicultural identity and what is the ‘best of both worlds’? (3) Will participating in this study influence intergenerational communication between mothers and daughters? Fifteen women (five first-generation, ten second-generation*) completed the informal interviews; ten women (three first-generation, seven second-generation) wrote a personal narrative; and all participants engaged in the final interview. The interviews and personal narratives were analyzed for emerging themes via the constant comparative method. Three themes were determined from the first research question: (1) cultural transmission, (2) cultural preservation, and (3) communication; and nine themes were identified from the second research question: (1) academic and career choice; (2) perceptions of Punjabi women living in eastern Canada; (3) identity; (4) marriage; (5) extended family concept; (6) episodes of discrimination; (7) language; (8) family relationships; and (9) the eastern Canadian Punjabi community. Results from the study indicate that first and second-generation Punjabi women living in eastern Canada are successfully developing bicultural identities. These women created a third space whereby they are able to live comfortably in both cultures. Communication and intergenerational cultural preservation play an integral role in their identity formation. They are able to balance the expectations of both cultures (dominant and home) into one mindset. They have become progressive in their thinking and are aware that traditions are continuously evolving and may even need to be altered (i.e., arranged marriage, extended family concept). Based on the findings, a framework for intergenerational cultural preservation and ethnic identity formation was developed. The framework consists of four components: school, home, society, and community. Each component is essential in preserving culture in first and second-generation individuals. Further recommendations for research are also discussed. *Second-generation refers to individuals who were born in Canada or immigrated to Canada before the age of five

Keywords: Panjabis (South Asian people), Canada, Eastern
Panjabis (South Asian people), Social life and customs
Panjabis (South Asian people), Canada, Eastern
Women, Canada, Eastern
Panjabis (South Asian people), Ethnic identity
Panjabis (South Asian people), Canada, Eastern
Panjabis (South Asian people), Cultural assimilation
Panjabis (South Asian people), Canada, Eastern
Biculturalism, Canada, Eastern
Mothers and daughters
Intergenerational relations