Addressing Cultural Identity Confusion within Multi-Generation Chinese Canadian Families through an Educational Lens

Abstract

The goals of this research are multifold, with the overall aim of defining effective pathways for addressing cultural identity issues between Chinese-Canadian generations (focusing on the 1.5 and 2.0), particularly through an educational and pedagogical lens. The author reviewed the literature related to the identity issues of 1.5 and 2.0 Generation Chinese-Canadians, their educational backgrounds and personal histories. Next, the author conducted interviews and surveys of Chinese-Canadians’ parents, the educators from a Chinese extracurricular institute, and adult Chinese-Canadian students at Concordia University in Montreal. The participants shared their experiences and opinions concerning both the situation of Chinese-Canadian youths’ and their attitudes towards education. The author hopes the inclusive art educational pedagogy mentioned in this paper could help 1.5 and 2.0 Generation to solve their identity issues.