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

Nancy Clark (), Gökce Yurdakul, Carla Hilario, Heba Elgharbawy, Nedal Izzden, Elias Moses and Muna Zaidalkilani
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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

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 12, 1-26

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.

Keywords: men; mental health; social determinants; masculinities; intersectionality; photovoice; community-based participatory action research; forced migration; Syrian refugee; employment; economic integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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