International Migration
Volume 46, Issue 3, 2008, Pages 123-159

Multicultural meanings of social support among immigrants and refugees (Article)

Stewart M.* , Anderson J. , Beiser M. , Mwakarimba E. , Neufeld A. , Simich L. , Spitzer D.
  • a Faculty of Nursing, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
  • b Culture, Gender and Health Research Unit, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • c Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Settlement, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • d Social Support Research Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
  • e Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
  • f Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Culture, Community and Health Studies Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • g Institute of Women's Studies and Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Abstract

Canada continues to be a prominent immigrant and refugee-receiving country in worldwide migration, resettlement, and search for refuge, yet there is a gap in our understanding of these newcomers' views of the specific meanings of social support and their support needs and resources. The purpose of this study was to understand the meanings of social support for immigrants and refugees in Canada, and to explore the types and adequacy of formal supports. Individual interviews were conducted with 60 service providers and policymakers initially (Phase 1), and 120 immigrants and refugees (60 Chinese, 60 Somali) in the second phase. The implications of these findings were elicited in group interviews (Phase 3) of policy decision-makers, advocates, service providers, and managers. This investigation revealed many interrelated challenges facing refugees and immigrants such as language difficulties, inadequate information on services, poor health, racism, needs for retraining, rejection of foreign qualifications, unemployment, social isolation, social insecurity, dwindling social networks, and family conflicts. The study also illuminated culturally and socio-economically determined perceptions of social support and support-seeking strategies. Limited personal resources and dwindling social networks are an impediment to coping with integration and settlement challenges. In many cases, newcomers' efforts to seek help are thwarted by systemic obstacles. Newcomers experienced extensive unmet support needs, which service providers cannot adequately meet due to bureaucratic and resource constraints. Policies in various sectors that affect the lives of immigrants and refugees are inadequate for bridging their support deficiencies. These support gaps hinder the successful settlement and integration of newcomers. Policies and programs fostering culturally relevant support, and inter-sectoral collaboration among organizations addressing the support needs of immigrants and refugees are timely. © Journal compilation © 2008 International Organization for Migration.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

international migration bureaucracy Canada immigration policy social network immigrant multiculturalism refugee decision making settlement pattern North America
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-47949097230&doi=10.1111%2fj.1468-2435.2008.00464.x&partnerID=40&md5=e53fb822ac682c008f93a97b6ae04764
DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2435.2008.00464.x
ISSN: 00207985
Cited by: 87
Original Language: English