Legislated Multiculturalism & Second-Generation Hybrid Identities: A Phenomenological Study of Canadian Ismaili Muslim Men in Montreal, Quebec

Abstract

The recent controversy over the 2014 proposed Quebec Charter of Values suggests the integration of minorities is, at present, a fundamental social and political debate in such a multicultural nation as Canada. Yet, minimal consideration has been given to second-generation citizens who find themselves living between various dimensions of culture. This study examines the impact of legislated multiculturalism and how it has evolved to influence second-generation Canadians in this country. This qualitative research explores the contemporary challenges of multiculturalism by examining the phenomenological analysis of second-generation Canadian Ismaili Muslim men in Montreal, Quebec. In-depth interviews were conducted to expand their perspective of identity negotiation in Canada. Research findings suggest that a symbolic sense of identity is created by simultaneously being part of the cultures found in Quebec, Canada and the global Ismaili Muslim diaspora community. This study argues that research participants challenge fixed conceptions of cultural identity markers; that their sense of diaspora community is indispensable to their perception of home and belonging in Canada; and that the legislation of multiculturalism is a practical and positive influence for second-generation Canadians. This discussion of the second-generation identity, along with the literature review and findings, provides further insight into the Canadian approach of multiculturalism.