The “Unique” Experiences of Domestic Violence of Immigrant Sikh Women through Films by Amrinder Brar A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts In The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities Criminology University of Ontario Institute of Technology May 2013 © Amrinder Brar, 2013 Abstract The larger context in which minority groups such as the Sikh community make sense of domestic violence, and assign meaning to abuse, has seldom been explored in intimate partner violence research. Current literature, regardless of racial background, tends to homogenize the multiple experiences, perceptions and understanding of domestic violence survivors. With South Asians, specifically those of Sikh descent, being one of the largest growing minority groups in Canada, it becomes necessary to understand how this ethnic group experiences, perceives and makes sense of domestic violence. By utilizing a qualitative approach of content analysis, an analysis of two South Asian films, Heaven on Earth and Provoked, is conducted. Moreover, this research uses an intersectional approach of culture, gender, religion, public policy and immigration status to illustrate the multidimensional experience, perception and understanding of domestic violence by the representation of the Sikh community in films. Key words: domestic violence; women; Sikhism; intersectionality; content analysis ii Dedication To my loving parents, Jagtar and Mohinder. Your support and encouragement throughout my educational journey has taught me that anything I put my mind to is achievable. All of your guidance during these difficult times has reminded me that “the sky is the limit.” To my sisters, Ruby and Kiran, for their unbelievable support during these past two years. Your “mini lectures” reminded me that there’s “no end without a start.” To my niece, Sim and my nephews, Hersh and Arjun, for always listening to me rehearse my presentations. To my grandma, Sham, for always encouraging me to continue my education and reminding me that “hard work pays off.” I miss you and wish you were here for the completion of this project. iii Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor, teacher and mentor, Dr. Arshia Zaidi. You have assisted me in more ways than you know; by always being there when I needed confirmation and direction, you have helped me excel in my abilities in academia. It is through your guidance and support that I have been able to build my confidence level and stay focused towards the completion of this thesis. I would also like to thank you for making the time to talk to me when I needed encouragement. As my research supervisor you have taught me skills which I will carry into future endeavours. To Dr. Nawal Ammar, through this journey you have allowed me to realize my potential by pushing me to my limits. You have helped improve the quality of this thesis, and pointed me in directions that were not originally visible. Thank you for taking interest and investing your time in my educational experience. Your inspiration has allowed me to foresee future opportunities. Dr. Carla Cesaroni, thank you for your support and encouragement. Our conversations have opened my eyes to new opportunities that I look forward to pursuing. Dr. Aziz Douai, thank you for taking the time to review this thesis. To my cohort of graduate students thank you for your support and encouragement through this thesis process, I know it benefitted my sanity. I appreciate the laughs and good times. I will always consider my M.A experience a memorable one. iv Finally, I would like to say thank you to my friends at home, Gurdip, Jagtinder, Kamal, Sandy, Udaypal and Anisah. You all have been understanding and supportive through the last two years, and have never left my side through my demanding thesis process. v Table of Contents 1.0 Chapter One: Statement of the Problem .............................................................................. 1 2.0 Chapter Two: Overview of the Literature ............................................................................ 8 2.1 Defining “Domestic” ............................................................................................................. 8 2.1.1 Defining the Term “Abuse” ............................................................................................ 9 2.1.2 Unpacking the Social Problem of Domestic Violence .................................................. 10 2.1.3 The Multi-Dimensional Nature of Domestic Violence ................................................. 12 2.2 Domestic Violence in the North American Context ........................................................... 15 2.2.1 The Current Law Regarding Domestic Violence in Canada ........................................ 15 2.2.2 Prevalence Rate of Domestic Violence in the Canadian Context ................................ 16 2.2.3 South Asians in Canada ................................................................................................ 18 2.2.4 Prevalence of Domestic Violence in the South Asian Community ............................... 20 2.3 Domestic Violence and the Intersectionality Approach ...................................................... 23 2.4 Culture ................................................................................................................................. 26 2.4.1 Gender Roles and Patriarchal Values .......................................................................... 27 2.4.2 Collectivism vs. Individual Orientation ........................................................................ 34 2.4.3 The “Model Minority” Approach ................................................................................. 38 2.5.1 The Origins of Sikhism and the Construction of Gender.............................................. 39 2.5.2 The Misinterpretation of Religious Beliefs ................................................................... 40 2.6 Public Policy and Immigration Status ................................................................................. 42 2.6.1 Immigration Law .......................................................................................................... 42 2.6.2 Barriers to Seeking Help .............................................................................................. 44 2.6.3 Culture and Immigration Policies ................................................................................ 47 2.7 Significance of the Study .................................................................................................... 48 3.0 Chapter Three: Methodology .............................................................................................. 50 3.1 Content Analysis ................................................................................................................. 51 3.2 Content Analysis in Relation to Films ................................................................................ 53 3.3 Data Collection .................................................................................................................... 56 3.4 Sample ................................................................................................................................. 58 3.5 Coding and Method of Analysis.......................................................................................... 59 vi 4.0 Chapter Four: Results .......................................................................................................... 62 4.1 Overview of Films ............................................................................................................... 63 4.1.1 Synopsis of the Film Heaven on Earth ......................................................................... 63 4.1.2 Synopsis of the Film Provoked ..................................................................................... 64 4.2 Multiple Forms of Domestic Violence That Sikh Women Face ......................................... 64 4.2.1 The Various forms of Abuse in the Sikh Community .................................................... 65 4.2.2 Culturally Specific Forms of Abuse That Sikh Women Face........................................ 73 4.3 The Multiple Reasons Behind the Denial of Domestic Violence ....................................... 75 4.3.1 “Model Minority”......................................................................................................... 75 4.3.2 The Pyramid of Honour ................................................................................................ 77 4.3.3 Different Perceptions that Surrounded Acts of Domestic Violence ............................. 80 4.4 Gender Roles in the Sikh Community................................................................................. 81 4.4.1Female Gender Roles .................................................................................................... 82 4.4.2 Male Gender Roles ....................................................................................................... 83 4.4.3 The Enforcement of Gender Roles through the Process of Socialization..................... 85 4.4.4 The Enforcement of Gender Roles through Gurdwara’s.............................................. 88 4.5 Cultural and Religious Beliefs as Influencing Factors of Domestic Violence .................... 90 4.5.1 Patriarchal Values .......................................................................................................