Naturalization ceremonies
Project Lead(s)
Team Members
Vince Hopkins, Phil Triadafilopoulos, Mireille Paquet, Sandra Schinnerl (external link) , Lisa Ruth Brunner, Taylor Jackson, Carolina Reyes Marquez, Kriti Sharma
Sub-theme
Content of citizenship
The sub-theme 'Content of citizenship' explores through different projects the meaning of citizenship beyond a legal status, as the expression of a collective identity grounded in a shared sense of belonging to a particular national community.
Objective
This project seeks to examine the impact of citizenship preparation materials and naturalization ceremonies, including the use of advanced digital technologies (ADTs), on new citizens’ conceptions of their adopted national identity.
Research question(s)
- What is the impact of Canadian naturalization ceremonies on new citizens’ understanding of citizenship and national identity?
- What is the affective impact of Canadian naturalization ceremonies? Do they enhance new citizens’ feelings of belonging?
- Is there a differential impact depending on whether ceremonies are in person or virtual, if oaths are self-administered or not? If ceremonies include Indigenous elders?
- How does this compare with other countries, such as Germany?
Methodology
The research project will follow a mixed-methods approach.
Status
This project is currently ongoing. The research team has finalized a new partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) to advance the project even further.
Expected completion date: March 2026
Key words
ADTs; advanced digital technologies; migrant naturalization; national identity; naturalization ceremonies
