Portuguese Women in Toronto: Gender, Immigration, and Nationalism

Wenona Giles takes a new look at migration in this innovative study of Portuguese women by examining the gender, class, and race relations of the immigrant Portuguese population from the micro level of personal experience to the macro level of the long-lasting societal repercussions of immigrant status and welfare on their children. Comparing across two generations of Portuguese Canadian women, the book delves into issues such as cultural heterogeneity among Portuguese immigrants, the ambiguity of work and gender politics, the concept of ‘home’ versus nationalism, and raises concerns about the ways in which global political and economic inequities have affected Portuguese women’s citizenship.

Drawing on over sixty interviews with Portuguese immigrants and community workers in Toronto, Giles weaves theoretical perspectives around direct quotes to provide a complete picture of the Portuguese immigrant experience. Her case study of Portuguese women sheds new light not only on Portuguese immigrants to Canada, but also on Canadian nationalism, immigration, and multicultural policies, and their connection with national and global economic situations, that affect all immigrants to Canada.