Leisure Participation and Well-being of Immigrant Women in Canada

Introduction: Migration across international borders is an identifying feature of 21st century globalization. Employment is an important criterion of integration, however, its prominence has deflected attention from other complex issues, namely how health is influenced by participation through cultural, social, and community occupations. Research on leisure participation has identified its positive impact on the well-being of various populations facing occupational disruptions, thus leisure participation and its potential role in the well-being of ‘immigrant women’ during the occupational disruption and transition of resettlement is worthy of research. Objectives: This study examined participation in leisure occupations for migrant women in the process of resettlement and experiencing changed environments. The research question was: How does the process of resettlement in Canada influence the ways women understand and participate in leisure? Methodology: This study was framed by ethnographic and critical theory perspectives. Data were collected from 14 migrant women in Canada through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings: The first theme, Orchestrating the Day, illustrates occupational transitions and offers a necessary context for understanding the second theme, Socializing is the Key to Leisure. Bourdieu's concepts of capital and a transactional perspective of action helped to interpret the findings. Conclusion: The participants' daily occupations helped to reveal what constitutes leisure and how leisure fits within their lives. Many women defined leisure broadly as whatever supported their physical and emotional health.