Experiences of South Asian brides entering Canada after recent changes to family sponsorship policies.
South Asians in Canada often apply the traditional custom of arranged marriage across international borders, leading to male sponsorship of family-chosen brides from their home countries. This qualitative study examined understandings of sponsorship and marital/resettlement experiences among English-proficient and non-English-proficient South Asian brides who entered Canada after recent immigration policy changes to reduce sponsored women's vulnerability to maltreatment. English-proficient women were aware of their rights and permanent resident status, and reported significant integration support. In contrast, non-English-proficient women misunderstood sponsorship and faced multiple barriers to participation in Canadian life, along with severe abuse and neglect.
Merali
Noorfarah
N
University of Alberta, Canada.
D000328:Adult; D001210:Asia, Southeastern / Q000208:ethnology; D018585:Battered Women / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003144:Communication Barriers; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000208:ethnology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000208:ethnology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014933:Women's Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data