1997/98 PCERII Funded Research Abstract

Research Title: Gender and Immigrant Political Participation in Comparative Perspective

Research Team: Dr. Yasmeen Abu-Laban (University of Alberta) - Principal Investigator

Research Domain(s): Public Services & Political

This research project focuses on the under-examined question of the similarities and differences in the political participation of female and male immigrants in Canada, the United States and countries of Western Europe. It pools the findings of existing comparative studies, and the bulk of single country case studies focusing on immigrant political participation, to develop a comparative conceptual framework for understanding immigrant politics. In addressing the nature and effects of immigrant political participation, attention will be paid to defining "participation,"; revealing how immigrants have variably effected the political process and outcomes at local, national and even transnational levels; and, documenting the interplay between "host society" laws, policies and practices versus the race/ethnicity, class and gender of immigrants in accounting for potentially different forms of participation and the content of political demands. It is suggested that knowing the similarities and differences between immigrant women and men, and across time and space, enhances our explanatory and theoretical base, as well as potential to make effective and inclusive policy prescriptions informed by knowledge of the full range of constraints and opportunities for the full participation of immigrants in political life.