Journal of Feminist Family Therapy
Volume 28, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 1-29

From Somalia to U.S.: Shifts in Gender Dynamics from the Perspective of Female Somali Refugees (Article)

Connor J.J.* , Hunt S. , Finsaas M. , Ciesinski A. , Ahmed A. , Robinson B.B.E.
  • a Department of Community Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, United States
  • b Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
  • c Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
  • d Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, United States
  • e Immigrant Woman & Children Development Center, St. Paul, MN, United States
  • f Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to explore shifts in gender dynamics among Somali female refugees who immigrated to the United States (U.S.). We used a community-based approach to recruit 30 participants who were interviewed by a bilingual interviewer. Themes were developed without preordained concepts. Results indicated most women came to the U.S. searching for safety and education. Participants reported increased freedoms, power, and demands within the family. Many women expressed a desire to maintain cultural, religious, and traditional gender roles. Implications for family therapists include attending to intersecting identities of Somali female refugees. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Gender roles Refugees immigration adjustment Intersectionality

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84975743880&doi=10.1080%2f08952833.2015.1130546&partnerID=40&md5=3cb912f1a0ffcfa6f6c0251803125d57
DOI: 10.1080/08952833.2015.1130546
ISSN: 08952833
Cited by: 8
Original Language: English