| The realities of generational decline in ethnicity, contradict the current Canadian notions of nearly automatic immigrant success in ethnic identity maintenance. In discussing sociocultural scenarios in Multicultural Canada, the identity of future post-1965 immigrant generations remain uncertain at best. In this Toronto study of the Malayalee ethnic group, the impact of immigration on ethnic identity maintenance was explored, and generational patterns of ethnic identity varied markedly. Two main aspects of identity were looked at in this research. The subjective aspects of ethnicity in relation to Malayalee feelings and attitudes, and objective ethnic identity with respect to Malayalee behaviour were examined.;A cross generational analysis indicated that first generation Malayalees display consistently higher levels of both subjective and objective ethnic identity than their children. Similar disparities were found to exist with respect to religious affiliation. Marthomites tend to score higher on ethnic identity than do Roman Catholic Malayalees. Neither gender nor duration of stay, were deciding factors in maintenance of ethnic identity, however, they should not be discounted in future research.;Overall, second generation Malayalees do tend to display lower levels of both subjective and objective ethnic identity than their parents, and these patterns of identity decline cannot be overlooked. It is clear that as the second generation moves away from their traditional Malayalee culture and heritage, future generations will increasingly develop their sense of Nomos and community, from outgroup Canadian culture and institutions. Further research is needed in order to more fully explore the influence of assimilation and sociocultural change on ethnic identity. A larger sample size, and a more inclusive study, will allow for a clearer understanding of Malayalee identity, and generational shift in Canada. |
