The Impact of Migration on Marital Relationships: A Study of Ethiopian Immigrants in Toronto

摘要: INTRODUCTIONMuch research has examined the effect of migration upon individual psychological and sociocultural adaptation (Karasz, 2005; Ahmad, et al., 2004; Boyd & Grieco, 2003; Darvishpour, 2002). The former is commonly associated with well-being satisfaction while latter refers to acquisition culturally appropriate knowledge skills (Ataca Berry, Little research, however, how affects marital relationships, or processes by which couples adapt their new circumstances. This a major limitation as 'for most part, it not individuals who migrate, but intact family groups' 2002 pg. 15). Information on impact relationships doubly important given reported high rates conflict, divorce intimate partner violence (IPV) in newcomer communities (Stein Dilmaghani, 2002; Krulfeld, 1994; Kulig, Tang Oatley Naidoo Davis, 1988).This paper presents data from project conducted married, divorced separated Ethiopians Toronto. objectives are document post-migration changes lives examine relationships.IMMIGRATION TO CANADAEvery year approximately 250,000 immigrants refugees arrive Canada. Over past 40 years, ethnic composition Canada's shifted dramatically European non-European countries origin (Van Kessel, 1998). Today, sixty percent recent come Asia Middle East (Citizenship Immigration Canada 2003). pro-portion even more pronounced urban centres such Toronto, where, according 2001 census, represented 44% population. proportion higher than Miami (40%), Los Angeles (31 %) New York City (24%) Canada, Many these areas world where cultural norms, beliefs values differ those encountered Since mid-1970's, an estimated 1.25 million have fled homeland settle neighbouring countries, Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti Yemen. A relatively smaller immigrated Europe North America (McSpadden Moussa 1993). According Ethiopian Association Toronto (EAT), population numbered 35,000 community rapidly growing. Although immigration started 1970's, majority arrived during 1980's 1990's. Data Pathways Barriers Health Care for epidemiological survey indicated that 1990-2000, average length stay was 9.2 years; range being between one 29 years highly skewed. As home country, characterized tremendous diversity respect ethnicity religion. 1996 only 3.7% had no English French arrival (Noh, 2001).RESEARCH ON POST-MIGRATION CHANGESMigration profound couples. For women, process often includes language culture well both social status income level. Research immigrant women identified several Stressors including finding employment, lack professional accreditation, securing affordable safe housing, discrimination, losses status, isolation, shock linguistic, economic barriers necessary health services (Thurston Vissandjee, Meadows, ; Hyman 2002).For some may mean increase mobility, independence, relative autonomy. …