1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«[T]his article starts with the critique of Chinatowns for tourism. […] The discussion then focuses on Montreal’s Chinatown by considering what has been empirically persistent and transformed in this contested terrain of authenticity since earlier research. The article turns to female Chinese monolingual seniors’ narratives, structured by the inquiry into their subjective integration with the claim that Montreal’s Chinatown is home.» (p. 332)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
L’échantillon est composé de 25 femmes chinoises aînées vivant dans le quartier chinois de Montréal.

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«Overall, what underlined the above narratives is the transformation of subjectivity. At the beginning of immigration, these older immigrants shaped subjectivity according to their children’s demands and wellbeing, and they oriented the good life towards the future. Home for them was inseparable from family and (grand) children. Integration was not about whether they spoke the official language(s) or lived like the natives but more about whether their contribution in the private sphere supported their next generations’ social and economic success. By the time they ceded their caregiver roles, they stressed the importance of individual autonomy, rejected the culturally monolithic ideal about aging and living conditions and reoriented themselves towards their own wellbeing in the ‘here and now’. Home in this sense gave personal comfort, ease and independence. Integration was subjective about how they felt rooted and supported with a general sense of satisfaction in the place where they chose to live, age and die.» (p. 341)