Masculinité et paternité en contexte migratoire : étude des effets de la masculinité sur la construction de l’identité paternelle de nouveaux immigrants au Québec de différentes origines culturelles

Research Framework: Immigration in contexts such as Canada and Quebec is likely to generate changes in masculine functions. Thus, immigrant fathers, depending on their origins and profiles, negotiate and present different facets of masculinity to adapt to the various realities of the host country.

Objectives: This article examines the impact of immigration on the masculinity and paternal identity of immigrant fathers of different origins in Quebec.

Methodology: We conducted a total of 39 interviews with immigrant fathers of sub-Saharan, North African, European, Asian and Latin American origin. An interview guide with open-ended questions enabled them to express themselves on their perception of fatherhood, their identity, their paternal engagement and their adaptation in a migratory context.

Results: Our findings indicate that fatherhood is an opportunity for these men to validate their masculinity. Furthermore, the role of provider represents an expression, valorization, and reinforcement of their masculinity. We also found that immigrant fathers’ perceptions of masculinity evolved and were redefined through paternal involvement, in order to overcome the difficulties of integration in the host country.

Conclusion: This article shows that, beyond the difficulties, immigration represents an opportunity for commitment and redefinition of fatherhood and masculinity for many immigrant men.

Contribution: The various observations arising from this study show the need to take masculinity into account in the care and development of programs for immigrant fathers. Finally, the article offers research possibilities to help understand better different types of fatherhood.