1. Objectifs

Intentions :
The research examines «Armenian sense of identity and community organization in Quebec, involving the drives and means of cultural retention (e.g. customs, language, religion). [Its goal is] to investigate how Quebec’s Quiet Revolution and the Armenian Genocide shaped the emergence of an Armenian-Quebecois community.» (p. 48) The importance of the family institution in the identity formation of this community is also discussed.

Questions/Hypothèses :
«[T]he research question is: how does the traumatic event of the Armenian genocide, within the context of Quebec emerging nationalism and Quiet Revolution, shape self-identity and the social organization of the Armenian community of Quebec?» (p. 48)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«Twelve interviews with members of the community were conducted to understand this phenomenon. Particularly, members of three institutions – the Armenian school, church and family – as well as individuals socialized by these institutions.» (p. iii) Participants were selected in the Greater Montreal Area.

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«Results show that the degree of Armenian institutional completeness in Quebec allows Armenians to retain their culture and gain a strong sense of Armenian identity. Additionally, Armenian institutional completeness provides tools for integration into Quebec, such as learning the French language and the norms of Quebec society. Armenians in Quebec participate in both their ethnic and civic institutions, leading to a people who identify strongly as Armenians and who have integrated in Quebec society.» (p. iii) Moreover, «the institution of family, along with the home environment, has a substantial role in the larger Armenian-Quebecois community. [T]he family is “paramount; [it] takes precedence over everything.” If the family does not transmit “the language, culture, history [and] identity,” […], the other institutions will not be able to entirely do so. Families who rely solely on an institution such as the school to pass on the heritage, and who simply enroll their children in an Armenian school because they are in their comfort zone, will also not see the results of cultural transmission […]. The family itself must emphasize the culture at home.» (p. 89-90) In sum, «[f]amily is a vital institution for cultural retention and the home environment is highly influential. Yet, the reduction in the number of Armenian families is a real concern and may thus decrease Armenian cultural preservation in Quebec in the future.» (p. 92)