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Resettlement, Employment, and Mental Health Among Syrian Refugee Men in Canada: An Intersectional Study Using Photovoice

Author

Listed:
  • Nancy Clark

    (School of Nursing, Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada)

  • Gökce Yurdakul

    (Department of Diversity and Social Conflict, Institute of Social Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany)

  • Carla Hilario

    (School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

  • Heba Elgharbawy

    (Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada)

  • Nedal Izzden

    (University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada)

  • Elias Moses

    (University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada)

  • Muna Zaidalkilani

    (University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
    Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, Toronto, ON M4Y 1W9, Canada)

Abstract

Context: The impact of forced migration on the mental health of refugee men is far-reaching and compounded by gendered masculinity, which shapes men’s access to employment and other resources. A gap in knowledge exists on the broader determinants of refugee men’s mental health. Methodology: Using community-based participatory action research and the arts-based method of photovoice, this study advances knowledge about the gendered impacts of forced migration from the perspective of ( n = 11) Syrian refugee men in the Canadian context. Theoretical approaches of intersectionality and masculinity were applied to understand how power relations shape Syrian men’s identities, their access to employment, and impacts on their mental health. Analysis and Results: Syrian men’s identities were marginalized by working in low-wage jobs because of inequitable policies that favored Canadian experience and credentialing assessment processes that devalued their knowledge. Multiple and overlapping factors shaped Syrian men’s mental health including language and literacy barriers, time and stage of life, isolation and loneliness, belonging and identity, and gender-based stress. Caring masculinities performed through fathering, cultural connection, and service-based work promoted agency, hope, and resilience. Conclusions: Public health and community-based pathways must adopt gender-responsive and intersectional approaches to policy and practice. Peer-based programs may mitigate harmful forms of masculinity and promote transformative change to support refugee men’s mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Nancy Clark & Gökce Yurdakul & Carla Hilario & Heba Elgharbawy & Nedal Izzden & Elias Moses & Muna Zaidalkilani, 2024. "Resettlement, Employment, and Mental Health Among Syrian Refugee Men in Canada: An Intersectional Study Using Photovoice," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(12), pages 1-26, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:12:p:1600-:d:1533753
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Laura Lam & Anna Triandafyllidou, 2024. "Road to nowhere or to somewhere? Migrant pathways in platform work in Canada," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 56(4), pages 1150-1169, June.
    2. Steven Roberts & Riikka Prattes, 2024. "Caring Masculinities in Theory and Practice: Reiterating the Relevance and Clarifying the Capaciousness of the Concept," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 29(3), pages 767-777, September.
    3. Niels van Doorn & Darsana Vijay, 2024. "Gig work as migrant work: The platformization of migration infrastructure," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 56(4), pages 1129-1149, June.
    4. Caitlin Bletscher & Sara Spiers, 2023. "“Step by Step We Were Okay Now”: An Exploration of the Impact of Social Connectedness on the Well-Being of Congolese and Iraqi Refugee Women Resettled in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-27, March.
    5. Ping Sun & Yuchao Zhao, 2024. "Platformed distinction work: Rethinking the migration and integration of food delivery workers in China," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 56(4), pages 1211-1226, June.
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