Colombian Family Policy: Pre-conflict definitions vs. post-conflict reality

Since 1960, Colombia has undergone an internal armed conflict between left-wing guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary forces wrestling for political power. Since 2002, the Colombian government has sponsored programs for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. Reintegration policies focus on rebuilding different life domains, including the family. This study analyzes the family dimension of reintegration by reviewing the different conceptualizations of families underlying the policy. Systems theory is used to examine how the policy addresses family issues and compares to family policies developed in other post-conflict societies. We discuss the current policy's limitations and highlight policy implications for ongoing reintegration efforts in Colombia.

Objectives

1. To analyze the family dimension of the Colombian reintegration policy by reviewing the different conceptualizations of families underlying the policy 2. To examine how the policy addresses family issues using family systems theory lenses 3. To compare the family dimension of the Colombian reintegration policy to family policies developed in other post-conflict societies

Fleeing conflict zones & global migration: Effects on family relationships

  This qualitative study examines the experiences of Arab mothers and fathers, displaced by war and migrating with their families to Canada. We were primarily interested in the perceived influences and effects on spousal and parent-child relationships. In interviews with 30 men and women, we invited reflections on the effects on their family relationships of living in a conflict zone; fleeing to and living in transit countries; and post-migration adjustment to a Canadian context. Analysis of interview data utilizing constructivist grounded theory principles illuminates key areas in which spousal relationships are renegotiated and parent-child relationships are adapted.

Objectives

To categorize the subjective effects of displacement and forced migration on couple and parent-child relationships in Arab families. To consider the impact of broader cultural norms, including those related to gender, religion, and collectivism, on family relationships. To enhance understanding of family functioning in these challenging circumstances to contribute to healthy and resilient communities in a global context.

Southeast Asian refugees’ narratives of their journeys to resettlement

  We provide a tapestry of cultural, social, and political experiences using a stages-of-migration framework for Southeast Asian refugees from Cambodia, Burma and Thailand. We show that refugee families navigate barriers, adjust, and/or adapt to their host environments when faced with differences in what they expect to experience in their journeys and what they actually experience. We emphasize the reach and reality of cultural and social structures and local, state, and federal government’s policies on families who continue to seek integration and inclusion while exhibiting strength and resilience. We offer insights for service providers assisting both new and long-term refugee families.

Objectives

Attendees will increase their knowledge of refugees’ experiences during each stage of migration. Attendees will be able to identify refugee families’ strengths that can be applied to vulnerabilities. Attendees will gain insights into provision of services to refugee families.

Being me in Canada: Family and the acculturation of Russian-speaking youth

Immigrants account for 34% of youth under 25 in Canada. Research on immigrants has focused on visible minorities. However, invisible immigrants may not fit in with either white mainstream Canadians or visible minority immigrants. This could impact the acculturation experiences of immigrant youth. Examining the role of families in this process may contribute to the successful adjustment and identity development of youth. Using constructivist grounded theory methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 Russian-speaking immigrant youth. A substantive theory of the role of parents in acculturation and identity formation of Russian-speaking immigrant youth in Canada was developed.

Objectives

1) To explore the identities of invisible immigrants, focusing on Russian-speaking immigrant youth 2) To expand current acculturation frameworks that do not account for multidimensional identities 3) To understand the role of parents in the acculturation and identity re/formation processes