Uvic Thesis Template
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Identity voyage: An investigation into how homeland conflict affects the identities of immigrants to Canada by Anna Melinda Press Bachelor of Arts, York University, 2010 Bachelor of Education, York University, 2010 A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the School of Public Administration Anna Melinda Press, 2014 University of Victoria All rights reserved. This thesis may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without the permission of the author. ii Supervisory Committee Identity voyage: An investigation into how homeland conflict affects the identities of immigrants to Canada by Anna Melinda Press Bachelor of Arts, York University, 2010 Bachelor of Education, York University, 2010 Supervisory Committee Dr. Catherine Althaus-Kaefer, (School of Public Administration) Supervisor Dr. Thea Vakil, (School of Public Administration) Departmental Member iii Abstract Supervisory Committee Dr. Catherine Althaus-Kaefer, (School of Public Administration) Supervisor Dr. Thea Vakil, (School of Public Administration) Departmental Member This thesis aims to address the challenges faced by immigrants to Canada from countries in conflict, namely Turkey and Israel. Through the use of a conceptual framework, this research study identifies how context, conflict and identity impact upon each other and are expressed through insightful narratives. Data collection was conducted in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada, using semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. Findings indicated that regardless of physical proximity to conflict in one’s homeland, it can continue to have an effect – in many cases through familial (sentimental) attachments rather than concern for the country. As well, identity should be considered permeable but also overlapping; emigration does not necessarily entail disengagement from the homeland (or its conflicts). Ultimately, this study examines the interconnected nature of conflict and identity, in both personal and social ways, through immigrants’ perceived engagement in homeland conflict, once in Canada. iv Table of Contents Supervisory Committee .................................................................................................. ii Abstract ......................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... iv List of Figures ............................................................................................................... vi Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................ vii Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................2 Rationale .....................................................................................................................3 Personal Interest ..........................................................................................................4 Methodological Connection to Conflict Studies ...........................................................5 Research Questions ......................................................................................................6 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................7 Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2: Literature Review ......................................................................................... 12 Context ...................................................................................................................... 12 Conflict ..................................................................................................................... 21 Identity ...................................................................................................................... 28 Narrative.................................................................................................................... 37 Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................... 42 Chapter 3: Methodology ................................................................................................ 44 Research Paradigm .................................................................................................... 44 Research Design ........................................................................................................ 46 Research Methods...................................................................................................... 48 Research Procedure ................................................................................................... 52 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................ 57 Limitations ................................................................................................................ 59 Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................... 61 Chapter 4: Results.......................................................................................................... 64 Participant 1 - S ......................................................................................................... 64 Participant 2 – Z ........................................................................................................ 72 Participant 3 – T ........................................................................................................ 77 Participant 4 – H ........................................................................................................ 85 Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................... 93 Chapter 5: Thematic Analysis and Discussion................................................................ 94 Context ...................................................................................................................... 94 Conflict ..................................................................................................................... 98 Identity .................................................................................................................... 105 Narrative.................................................................................................................. 115 Chapter Summary .................................................................................................... 118 Chapter 6: Researcher Observations............................................................................. 120 Changes ................................................................................................................... 120 My Narrative ........................................................................................................... 124 v Chapter Summary .................................................................................................... 129 Chapter 7: Discussion and Conclusion ......................................................................... 131 Summary of Major Findings .................................................................................... 131 Reflections............................................................................................................... 138 Concluding Thoughts ............................................................................................... 144 References ................................................................................................................... 146 Appendices .................................................................................................................. 154 Appendix A: Recruitment Poster.............................................................................. 154 Appendix B: Recruitment Script .............................................................................. 155 Appendix C: Participant Consent Form .................................................................... 156 Appendix D: Sample Turkish Interview Guide ......................................................... 161 vi List of Figures Figure 1: Conceptual Framework .....................................................................................8 Figure 2:TKI Modes and Dimensions ............................................................................ 54 Figure 3: TKI Results .................................................................................................. 108 vii Acknowledgments It is my belief that nothing truly exists in a vacuum; thus, there were countless people who have contributed to the development and writing of this thesis. From a conversation with a stranger in Ottawa to advice given by friends around the world – I really do believe that this topic was kısmet. First and foremost, this thesis would not have been possible without my family. Thank you for inspiring me to pursue this topic, and for having been so courageous in your own journeys of immigration.