Inside Ethnic Families is a rich and lively ethnography that describes the perceptions, illusions, and life experiences of three generations of Portuguese-Canadians. Edite Noivo provides an insider's perspective on a number of family-related issues, ranging from housework and ageing to gender relations and family violence.

Noivo examines how the intersection of migration and family projects affect kin ties, analyses the multiple burdens generated by migration, class, gender, generation, and minority status, and discusses the interplay between family and economic life. Although forced to cope with marital and intergenerational tensions and conflicts, these families demonstrate impressive coping mechanisms, ingenious economic strategies, and psychopolitics aimed at family survival and individual and collective welfare.

Giving voice to an "invisible" cultural minority, Inside Ethnic Families exposes the pains and pleasures, struggles and achievements displayed by these immigrant, working-class families.