Remittance Practices of Iranian Immigrants in Canada: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

This dissertation explores the remittance practices of Iranian immigrants in Canada, focusing on why and how they continue to send remittances to Iran despite structural challenges, particularly economic sanctions and the absence of formal remittance channels. Using a mixed-methods approach, it provides the first comprehensive investigation into the remittance behaviour of this understudied group, both within Canadian and global migration research. In doing so, it fills a significant gap in the literature by offering a sociological perspective on the intersection of state economic sanctions and individual remittance behaviour. By distinguishing between family remittances and migrant philanthropy, this dissertation offers a nuanced understanding of immigrant remittance practices, emphasizing the distinct emotional and moral dimensions that shape each type of remittance. This distinction challenges the prevailing literature, which often treats remittance behaviour as a homogeneous phenomenon. Chapter 3 uses large-scale data to provide a statistical overview of Iranian immigrants' remittance practices, comparing them to those of other migrant groups. It highlights Iranian immigrants' unique remittance patterns, shaped by sociodemographic factors and macro-level constraints such as economic sanctions. The chapter reveals that Iranian immigrants in Canada are more likely to send money to countries other than Iran than to Iran, and when remittances are sent to Iran, the amounts tend to be lower than the amounts sent elsewhere. This finding underscores the impact of structural constraints on the remittance behaviour of this group. Chapter 4 focuses on family remittances, analyzing the decisions behind them and the socio-cultural and micro-level determinants that influence these practices within the broader structural constraints. This chapter examines challenges with remittance methods, and the moral and emotional motivations for providing financial support. It reveals that while remittances often begin as voluntary acts, they are deeply rooted in an internalized moral obligation. Over time, these practices can lead to expectations from families/relatives left behind and, ultimately, migrants associate them with negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, and feelings of betrayal. Chapter 5 examines migrant philanthropy, exploring the primary concerns and motivations behind it, including how remitters select philanthropic causes, determine remittance patterns, and navigate emotional factors. It finds that the moral framework guiding these practices is often detached from the recipients' immediate needs, allowing for greater flexibility and relief for the remitter. While migrant philanthropy is generally associated with positive emotions such as reward, pride, and fulfillment, the experience is not always straightforward. Guilt plays a significant role in shaping this emotional experience, complicating the otherwise positive feelings that might arise from engaging in philanthropic acts.