Intergenerational Voices: Exploring South Asian Multigenerational Living

Abstract

The growing prevalence of multigenerational households presents unique opportunities and challenges for families. Cultural values, such as filial piety, play a crucial role in shaping these living arrangements, but there is limited research on the self-reported experiences of individuals within these households, particularly in South Asian communities. This thesis explores the lived experiences of South Asian families residing in multigenerational households in Canada, with a focus on how caregiving, faith, cultural transmission, and generational roles are negotiated within these shared spaces. Drawing on in-depth qualitative interviews across three generational cohorts - young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults - this research investigates how familial responsibilities, intergenerational dynamics, and cultural values are distributed, challenged, and maintained within these households. Using a life course perspective (Hareven, 1994), the study highlights the ways in which individual transitions (e.g., caregiving, entering the workforce, aging) intersect with the family as a whole. The findings were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-stage framework for thematic analysis and four key themes were identified. Participants highlighted the emotional and logistical complexities of caregiving in multigenerational homes, the dual role of faith, and the evolving expressions of identity and autonomy across generations. Findings reveal that while multigenerational living can foster emotional support and cultural continuity, it also creates challenges related to generational power dynamics, communication styles, and uneven caregiving burdens. Policy implications underscore the need for culturally sensitive support for migrant families, particularly in navigating caregiving, housing, and integration services. This research contributes to the growing literature on multigenerational living, migration, and family dynamics by offering insights into the everyday negotiations that shape shared households across generations.