Homeland Attachment Among Second-Generation Russians in Canada

• In Event: 50261 - Family Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 6: Migration & Immigrant Families

Abstract

This paper explores the dynamics of homeland attachment among young adults in migrant families. While transnationalism and political socialisation literature primarily discusses the intergenerational transmission of political attitudes, this paper addresses the often-overlooked aspect of belonging. Specifically, it uncovers the factors and mechanisms influencing young adults' attachment to their parental homelands across various family settings. Against the background of Canada's multicultural social setting, which embraces distinct cultural identities within an overarching, albeit flexible, Canadian identity, this paper address the conditions under which young Canadians identify with their parents' countries of origin. The particular focus is on Canadians with a (Soviet) Russian background, an important often-sidelined group of migrants.
We expect to uncover potentially contradictory effects of higher parental socio-economic status, examining its association with both higher and lower homeland attachment among young adults. We further explore the moderating role of transnational ties, considering the significance of co-ethnic connections and transnational orientation on parental homeland attachment. Additionally, the presentation investigates the impact of family composition, language use, and exposure to different political regimes on the strength of parental homeland attachment.

For this paper, we use an original parent-child survey generated in the spring of 2024. Central in the focus are questions related to homeland attachment, transnational ties and practices, family composition, language use at home and in social circles, and educational experiences alongside parental socio-economic status. Through cross-sectional regression analysis, this study aims to provide nuanced insights into the emotional integration of the second generation with a (Soviet) Russian background within the multicultural Canadian context. It offers a unique understanding of the affective dimensions of belonging, often neglected in migration and integration studies.

Author

• Hakob Matevosyan, Centre for East European and Int'l Studies