In comparison with other Western European countries, immigration in Ireland is a relatively recent phenomenon. The percentage of foreign-born residents increased from just 2 per cent in 1990 to 17 per cent in 2016. While the first generation of immigrants has attracted significant scholarly attention, little is known about the experiences of their offspring raised in Ireland. Most studies investigating the second generation have been conducted in countries with long traditions of immigration, particularly the US and Western Europe. Additionally, while the family unit is known to play a key role in migrant integration, there is still relatively little qualitative research on relations between generations in migrant households.
This thesis aims to address this gap by exploring intergenerational family relations in Nigerian households in Ireland. This study explores the role of the household in shaping the dynamics of children's interactions within wider society, while investigating how the host society influences family relations. Based on qualitative research, the study explores how Nigerian migrants and their children negotiate norms, expectations, but also values and identities. A particular focus is paid to gendered dynamics in the household; it explores how gender norms and behaviours are negotiated alongside other expectations.
This thesis draws from focus groups and in-depth interviews with young adults aged 18- 24 living in Ireland. It also engages the perspectives of parents, community leaders and youth workers to provide a comprehensive picture of the issues studied. The findings indicate that the household is one of the main sites of identity construction for the participants in this study. Parental stories and household activities become a source of knowledge about their ancestral homeland and at the same time, they allow for a better understanding and appreciation between generations.