“I Am More than My Country of Origin”: An Arts-Based Engagement Ethnography with Racialized Newcomer Women in Canada

Abstract

Many women immigrate with the hope that they will gain new opportunities for themselves and their families, however, they often face significant challenges due to the intersectional stigmas related to their gender, immigration status, and other aspects of their social location. In this study, we sought to understand the holistic experience of racialized newcomer women to better support their integration process. Using Arts-Based Engagement Ethnography (ABEE), we employed the use of cultural probes and qualitative interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of ten newcomer women. An ethnographic analysis of this data yielded four overarching structures which include (1) identity negotiation experiences, (2) process of integration and struggles with transition, (3) resiliency practices and processes, and (4) making meaning of migration experiences. Each of these structures included several patterns. Our results demonstrate the benefits of using arts-based qualitative methods with diverse communities to collect rich and varied data that highlights the multiple social identities of participants. These results also give an in-depth look at the numerous experiences, both positive and negative, that influence the well-being of newcomer women throughout the process of migration. The implications of this research emphasize the need to continue in our efforts to reduce systemic oppression, to create a more inclusive and equitable community.