Ethnic identity, resilience, and well-being: a study of female Maasai migrants

Ashley Jowell (), Sharon Wulfovich (), Sianga Kuyan () and Catherine Heaney ()
Additional contact information
Ashley Jowell: Stanford University
Sharon Wulfovich: Stanford University
Sianga Kuyan: Future Warriors Project
Catherine Heaney: Stanford University

International Journal of Public Health, 2018, vol. 63, issue 6, No 4, 703-711

Abstract: Abstract Objectives Migration is an increasingly prevalent worldwide phenomenon. In recent years, Maasai men and women have migrated from their traditional rural villages to cities in Tanzania in growing numbers. This study explores the experience of rural-to-urban migration among female Maasai migrants and how this experience affects ethnic identity, resilience, and well-being. Methods Thirty-one female Maasai migrants were interviewed in Swahili, Maa, or English. Researchers used a rigorous multi-pass, qualitative coding process to analyze interview transcripts. Results Migration-driving factors, specifically a desire for education (leading to permanent migrants) and a need to support one’s family (resulting in circular migrants), influence how Maasai women adapt and respond to challenges in the city. Circular migrants hold closely to their traditional ethnic identity and remain isolated from city life, while permanent migrants modulate their ethnic identity and integrate into urban society. Conclusions Increasing connections among female Maasai migrants might create a more resilient community leading to improved health. Pilot workshops with this aim are being implemented.

Keywords: Rural-to-urban migration; Ethnic identity; Resilience; Maasai; Climate change; Education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1124-4

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