“A family is an angel”: Immigrant children’s representations of family

Childhood (2026)
Scientific paper
Published on February 4, 2026
Cover of Childhood (vol. 33, number 3)

Authors: Christine Gervais, Andréanne Pomerleau, Jeanne Chaut, Flavy Barrette, & Isabel Côté

First published: 2026

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This article explores how children who have recently immigrated to Québec, Canada, represent the family. Using the child-centered approach, this qualitative study is based on semi-structured interviews with 43 immigrant children aged 6 to 14 years. The results reveal that children represent the family according to the different functions it plays in their lives, that is, to provide them with security, protection and support, and that their definition of the family is based on the affection and love that unites those who make up the family, shared time and lasting stable ties.

How to cite this publication

Gervais, C., Pomerleau, A., Chaut, J., Barette, F., Merry, L., & Côté, I. (2026). “A family is an angel”: Immigrant children’s representations of family. Childhood, 33(3), 380-396. https://doi.org/10.1177/09075682251413860

  • Flavy Barrette

    Master’s student in social work at the Université du Québec en Outaouais

  • Isabel Côté

    Professor in the department of social work at Université du Québec en Outaouais

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