A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CULTURAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF AFGHAN WOMEN IN CANADA. by Natasha Waseema Beg, H.B.A, B.S.W. A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work School of Social Work Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario September, 2005 © Natasha Waseema Beg, 2005 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. 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ABSTRACT This study explores the cultural, economic and social integration of ten Afghan women living in three Canadian cities in Canada. Afghan women’s experiences and perceptions of life in Canada were captured in ten interviews conducted with women living in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. This study posits that while factors influencing the cultural, economic and social integration of Afghan women may bare some similarities to one another, Afghan women are not a homogenous group. Their pre-flight and first country of asylum experiences are therefore necessary to understand the factors shaping their integration to Canada. This thesis draws from the immigration literature as it pertains to immigrant and refugee women as well as recent studies and theories to explain integration outcomes. Feminist standpoint theory informs both the methodological approach and analysis of Afghan women’s experiences of integration and highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing such women. This thesis stems from the view that understanding the experiences of Afghan women living in Canada may lead to a better understanding of the factors shaping their integration which are necessary to foster effective programs and services to meet their integration needs. This awareness can only be achieved by providing a voice to Afghan women and by documenting their experiences in their own words, which in turn can lead to a greater recognition of their experiences. iii Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS/DEDICATION I would like to acknowledge some very special individuals who have provided me with on-going support and strength to continue this journey. My deepest appreciation goes to the ten wonderful Afghan women who shared their valuable time and showed dedication and enthusiasm, which made this thesis possible. I have learned so much from their remarkable stories and have been inspired by their strength, perseverance and sense of humour! I am deeply honoured by the trust they demonstrated in sharing their intimate stories and I will always cherish our time together. I am especially grateful to my thesis committee and to my supervisor Professor Behnam Behnia for his support and encouragement from the beginning of my thesis right until the end. I am thankful for his constructive yet gentle criticisms and his quick feedback after reading several drafts. I appreciated his enthusiastic responses to my ideas and confidence in my ability to complete this thesis. I was particularly touched by his kind words of encouragement when I was feeling frustrated which helped to keep my spirits up. I would also like to thank Professor Pat Evans for her kind words of encouragement and for believing in my ability to complete my thesis. I am also thankful for her insightful suggestions and time spend reading my many drafts. Her enthusiasm for my topic kept me confident and motivated and she instilled in me the importance of thoughtful reflection. Her confidence in my ability to complete this thesis meant so much. 1 would also like to thank Professor Frances Abele, my external examiner, for her time and for participating in my defense and interest in my topic as well as her contributions to the discussion. Her presence was refreshing, as was her insight about integration. I would like to acknowledge the support of my family and friends, especially my father Aziz Abdul Mirza Beg (Daddy). Without his love and dedication this thesis would not have been possible. I am forever thankful for the many late nights spent comforting me and holding my hand when I did not think I would make it through another chapter and for preparing my favorite Tikka and Chapatis, which kept me nourished and provided me with “enough petrol to make the car run”. Most of all, I am so thankful for his sweet words “little patcha you shall succeed, Inshallah” when I was feeling frustrated. To my friends, thank you all for understanding when I was too busy and for the many birthdays and special occasions that I missed. Regardless they all made me feel so special by continuously checking on me, leaving sweet messages and little treats in my mailbox. To Shareef, my partner, best friend and husband to be, I am thankful for the many nights staying up until the wee hours of the morning, encouraging me and making me snacks and endless cups of tea. His advice and thoughtful comments and many long evenings and weekends spent editing and our engaging discussions, “What are you trying to say here? ” will never be forgotten. He kept me focused with positive words, which made a world of difference especially when I felt discouraged. iv Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. I dedicate this thesis to my big brother Waseem (Bobby) who passed away in 1999. Words cannot begin to express how much I miss his endearing and over protective ways. His love and guidance has provided me with strength to move forward and he will always journey with me throughout my life. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. TABLE OF CONTENTS Acceptance Sheet................................................................................................................ ii Abstract ......................................................................................... iii Acknowledgement/Dedication ........................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ vi Chapter I INTRODUCTION Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 The Problem and Its Significance ...................................................................................... 3 Study Goals.......................................................................................................................... 6 Organization of the M aterial.............................................................................................. 6 Chapter II AFGHANISTAN: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 8 The Women of Afghanistan: An Historical Analysis....................................................... 9 Chronology of Afghan Women’s Resistance................................................................... 15 Chapter III LITERATURE REVIEW Introduction ..........................................................................................................................23 Defining Integration ............................................................................................................ 23 Stages of Refugee Integration and the Human capital Theory..........................................26