Conflicting gender, kin, and couple dynamics of Nigerian immigrant families in Canada.

The purpose of this study is two-fold: first, it is an effort to understand how Nigerian immigrant families have improved their economic status and live up to their financial obligation to their relatives. Secondly, it intends to see how women\u27s status changes by way of participating in family decision making once they become income earners. The structure of the Yoruba traditional family and its dynamics are examined. Then, the modern family forms in Nigeria such as the modified extended family and the nuclear family forms are discussed. The researcher chose to present a survey of literature reflecting two major areas: mainly, the economic impact of migration on the immigrants and the effect of migration on marriage, gender, and family pattern of immigrant families. The first hypothesis states that Nigerian families who have achieved a higher economic status in Canada with economic commitment to their extended families are better able to assist financially those relatives in Nigeria than when they were there with them is supported by the data collected. It is found that having a well-paying job is crucial to fulfilling their financial aspirations. The higher the income the better it is for immigrants to support their relatives in Nigeria financially. The second hypothesis in respect to career women gaining more participation in the household decision making is partially supported by the data gathered. It is found that only 21 women out of the 27 employed women are egalitarian with their spouses in family decision-making. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1994 .O63. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 34-02, page: 0609. Adviser: Barry Adam. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1995