Raising Canadian-stanis: Parenting in Muslim Pakistani Communities in Canada

Abstract

In this paper, the intersectionality approach is used to understand how being a Muslim Pakistani immigrant affects being a parent. I look into how parents want to pass down their religious and cultural beliefs, such as family honour, and how those beliefs shape their children who are conflicted between two cultures. Beliefs on marriage and dating are also vastly different for Pakistani immigrant parents from those who are part of the dominant culture in Canada. I look into how marriage practices from back home are attempted to be brought over to Canada and how finding a partner can cause conflict between immigrant parents and their children. I also look into how sex and sexuality can cause conflict between parents and their children due to traditional beliefs and religious views. Finally, I look at how issues such as racism and discrimination can affect how Pakistani immigrants parent their children.