The role of leisure pursuits in adaptation processes among Afghan refugees who have immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada

Dados Bibliográficos

ID11436634
AutoresJulie A C Stack (University of Manitoba), Yoshitaka Iwasaki (Temple University, autor correspondente)
Ano2009
Volume28
Fascículo3
Páginas239-259
Data de publicação2009-07-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoLeisure Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0261-4367 • E-ISSN: 1466-4496
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02614360902951658
OpenAlexW2011150398
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas74
Referências citadas44

There is a gap in understanding the adaptation processes of minor, less established, immigrants, including the potential contribution of leisure pursuits to these processes. This study explored the role of leisure among Afghan refugees who have recently immigrated to a western Canadian city in adapting to their immigration processes. Using semi‐structured one‐on‐one interviews with 11 Afghan immigrant women and men aged from 19 to 60 years (including single women and men, single mothers with children, and two‐parent families with children), this study examined how or in what ways leisure engagements may help them adapt to their new life environment. An overarching theme identified from our phenomenological analyses of the interview data emphasises meaningful, purposeful and enjoyable leisure as a way of helping those individuals adapt to stressful life challenges in a host country/community. Not only were socially and culturally meaningful forms of leisure and recreation instrumental and purposeful to facilitate social connections and networks with Afghan families and friends as well as with non‐Afghan Canadian friends, but these also provided opportunities for cultural celebration, problem‐solving, learning and development (including cross‐cultural interaction, learning and sharing). Overall, the engagements in enjoyable, purposeful and meaningful leisure can be regarded as an expression of Afghan immigrants' cultural strengths for their survival and thriving during stressful adaptation processes. Keywords: immigrationadaptationcultureleisurestresscopinghealth

Adaptation (eye · Afghan · Immigration · Political science · Recreation · Refugee · Social science · Sociology · Thriving · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research · Gender Studies · Psychology · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Social Psychology · Sport and Mega-Event Impacts