what does it mean to grow up egyptian canadian today?

We are interested in how young Egyptian Canadians are navigating the path to adulthood in Ontario during a time of soaring rents, uncertain job prospects, and rising xenophobia. We also want to understand how their parents—who raised children between two worlds—make sense of and support these journeys.
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We know that in the Middle East and North Africa, many young people are putting off major life milestones like leaving home or starting a family. But what happens when they migrate? How do these timelines shift—or stay the same—in a new country? And how do parents make sense of their children’s changing paths?

By listening closely to the voices of 1.5- and 2nd-generation Egyptian Canadians and their parents, this study sheds light on the real-world barriers and unexpected supports shaping the transition to adulthood. Our goal is to inform better policies and programs that support immigrant families and help young people find their footing in an increasingly uncertain world.

This study is affiliated with the University of Toronto and is funded by Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.  

Our research team is conducting interviews with Egyptian Canadians who were born in Canada or came to Canada as children (2nd- and 1.5th-generation) and with their parents (1st generation). We’re focusing on Ontario, where many of these challenges are especially pronounced.

​Egyptian Canadians are the focus because much of the research on “waithood,” or delayed adulthood, comes from Egypt and the surrounding region. This project brings that conversation into the Canadian context.

How will we study this topic?