Young Arabs in Canada: Ethnic Identity and Intersectionality
Abstract
Arabs make up almost 2% of the population in Canada, and their numbers are growing rapidly. Yet, literature on Arabs in Canada is sparse, both from academic and governmental sources. Using ethnic identity and intersectionality frameworks, this study explores the meanings of Arab identity for youth in Ontario, Canada, and the interactions between their Arab identity and their other identities. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in Arabic and English with 30 participants (ages 18-30) who are from, or whose background is from, the Arab world. Findings highlighted the diversity of the population, and the themes that emerged regarding self-identification with labels, the meanings of being Arab, the identity crises and conflicts that Arabs experience in the Canadian context, and their intersecting dimensions of identity. Results further our understanding of ethnic identity in Canada and have practical implications for Arabs in Canada.