SELF-PERCEIVED INTEGRATION OF IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR CHILDREN

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between immigrant generation and subjective well-being. The study disaggregates the immigrant population into first, 1.5, second, and higher order generations and compares their prospects for social integration. The study focuses on two aspects of integration: sense of belonging to Canada and feelings of discomfort living in the host society. The analysis also addresses whether the effects of immigrant generation on integration are conditional on the context of settlement, including racial status and neighbourhood environment. The study merges data from the 2001 Canadian Census and the postcensus Ethnic Diversity Survey. The primary conclusion is that the relationship between immigrant generation and integration is complex. The findings demonstrate the need to use a fine-grained approach for understanding the integration of immigrants and their children.