A CULTURALLY RELEVANT “NOBODY’S PERFECT” PARENTING PROGRAM FOR AFRICAN IMMIGRANT WOMEN IN CANADA by Annette Bazira-Okafor A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Social Justice Education Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto © Copyright by Annette Bazira-Okafor (2021) A Culturally Relevant “Nobody’s Perfect” Parenting Program for African Immigrant Women in Canada Annette Bazira-Okafor Doctor of Philosophy Department of Social Justice Education Ontario Institute for Studies in Education University of Toronto Abstract This study examines the curriculum and impact of The Nobody’s Perfect parenting program delivered by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Specifically, the study challenges notions of this program as an adaptable and effective model for training first time, young and immigrant mothers in parenting skills that empower both families and children. The present study highlights the program’s deeply Eurocentric and Western values and imaginations through the case of 17 African immigrant mothers whose voices and knowledge are erased and devalued by such modern Canadian parenting training schemes presuming these racialized women’s cultures backward and their childrearing experiences unusable in the Canadian context. Drawing from 17 personal interviews with immigrant women from 12 countries in Africa, the study illuminates the complex nature of the childrearing experiences of these women, shining light especially on their transnational and hybridized parenting practises informed by African and indigenous cultural values and beliefs yet already internalized parental models disseminated by European colonialism and political domination over Africa. The analysis leads to ii recommendations for ways to ground parental support in Canada in immigrant cultures thus positioning immigrant children and families for prosperity and wellbeing in Canada. iii Dedication To my dad, Amon Kabunga Bazira (1944 – 1993), who would have been very proud to see this day. And to my mother, Mary Bayera Bazira (1946 – 1996), whose spirit continually guides me each day. Above all, I am thankful to God for making this journey possible. iv Acknowledgement This thesis is the result of so many people’s contributions who have inspired and supported me in so many ways. I am entirely grateful to the 17 women who agreed to participate in this study, taking time out to speak with me and share their lived experiences upon which this thesis is based. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am ever so grateful to members of my thesis committee: Professor Njoki Wane who from the start was a mentor and ally, and from whom I learned so much as a great human being; and Professor Nakanyike Musisi for her enthusiasm and support as I started on this journey. I want to thank my supervisor, Professor Miglena Todorova, whose mentorship, insightful comments, and encouragement never failed to push me a step closer to completing this journey. I am also thankful to my fellow students and colleagues in Prof. Wanes and Prof. Todorova’s thesis groups for their support and feedback to drafts of the chapters, and to friends who have come alongside me. To my family for their love and support – my husband Obi Okafor, and my children Oji, Mbabazi, and Kosi Okafor. To my daughter, Mbabazi, for her assistance with the reference list and formating. To my siblings and their families – Geof, Abi, Mary, Rungi and Humuza Bazira; Solomon Nyakojo, Dan Kashagma, and James Baguma, all of whom have supported me in more ways than I can say, “thank you and God bless!” Lastly, my gratitude goes to my other family, “Grandma” (Lechi Okafor), Okey, Ada, Chi, and Ojiugo. Thank you all. v Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii Dedication .......................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgement............................................................................................................... v List of Acronyms: ............................................................................................................... x Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1 Significance of Study ..................................................................................................... 6 Summary of Chapters ..................................................................................................... 7 Chapter 2: Background to The Study ................................................................................ 10 Misalignment of the NP Program and Child Welfare Goals: Cultural Gap, Social Implications, and Impact on African Immigrant Women, Children and Youth ........... 10 Influential Players in the NP Program .......................................................................... 13 Children’s Aid Societies (CAS) ................................................................................... 15 The History of Children’s Aid Societies ...................................................................... 16 Race, Cultural Gap, and Poverty .................................................................................. 18 Race .............................................................................................................................. 19 Poverty.......................................................................................................................... 20 Cultural Clash ............................................................................................................... 21 Misalignment of the NP Program ................................................................................. 22 Effects on Mental Health of Mothers ........................................................................... 25 Effects on Children ....................................................................................................... 28 Effects on Youth ........................................................................................................... 29 An African Traditional Community-Centred Approach to Child Welfare in Canada . 31 Chapter 3: Methodology and Theoretical Framework ...................................................... 38 Methodology and Research Design .............................................................................. 38 Method.......................................................................................................................... 39 In-Depth One-On-One Semi Structured Interviews ..................................................... 41 Limitations.................................................................................................................... 42 Data Management ......................................................................................................... 43 Data Analysis and Coding Approach ........................................................................... 43 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................ 45 Chapter 4: Interview Analysis ........................................................................................... 49 African Immigrant Women’s Cultural and Traditional Backgrounds .......................... 49 vi How Racialized Women Experience the NP Program ................................................. 55 Eurocentricism in the NP Program ............................................................................... 56 Experiencing Parenting in Canada: Personal Narratives of Radicalized Women ........ 65 Emergent Themes ......................................................................................................... 67 Theme 1: Community ................................................................................................... 67 NP key goal: “Community engagement and social support.” .................................... 67 Child rearing in African communities ....................................................................... 69 Retaining family ties to the homeland ....................................................................... 71 NP core area: “Parental stress and coping” ................................................................ 74 Child rearing in the African traditional setting .......................................................... 74 Child Protection Services and Implications of Trust in Community ......................... 75 Children’s Aid Societies’ impact on African immigrant and racialized communities .................................................................................................................................... 78 Hegemonic presumptions about African immigrant and other racialized women ..... 80 Theme 2: Discipline ..................................................................................................... 81 NP core area: “Nurturing and discipline strategies;” cultural misunderstandings ..... 81 African cultural views of discipline ........................................................................... 82 Theme 3: Respect ......................................................................................................... 87 Respect for oneself as a girl and a young woman: African