An exploratory study of the concept of identity for some adult refugee women in the context of their resettlement in New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand is one country amongst only a few that accepts refugees and provides services for their resettlement. The refugee experience is harrowing, even more so for women. Loss of identity and lack of well-being are two issues resulting from the processes of forced migration, resettlement and acculturation. This research project focused on what identity entailed for nine adult refugee women in the context of their resettlement in New Zealand, and the significant role that certain elements of identity played in their daily lives. Identity is viewed as a contextual, multi-faceted and dynamic construct. Using a constructivist epistemology and a phenomenological framework, I conducted two sets of in-depth interviews with nine adult refugee women participants, from seven different ethno-cultural backgrounds. They were all well educated (tertiary level), could communicate in English and were first-generation migrants to New Zealand. Consequently the findings of this study may not be generalised to all refugee women in New Zealand. Four broad and complementary domains of identity were explored: BEING AN ADULT WOMAN. The participants in this study identified four intrinsic elements of their own identity (name, age, personality and appearance). Living in New Zealand enabled these women to enjoy more freedom and opportunities than they could in their countries of origin. Education and employment were viewed as a means to a better life and were considered integral to their identity. BEING A REFUGEE. The refugee experience strongly impacted on the participants' worldviews and identities. Living in a peaceful and safe country had become the utmost priority for all of them in order to regain control of their lives and be able to look to the future. Being labelled a refugee had lost its significance over time. SOCIAL RELATIONS. Cultural knowledge was considered an essential part of identity by the participants, as was its transmission to the next generation. Their families played a significant role in that process and acted as a source of support. Social relations with their own communities facilitated cultural retention and transmission, although refugee communities are generally small and/or divided. Social relations with other communities were sporadic. ADAPTATION IN TIME AND SPACE. The participants had to come to terms with living in a new socio-cultural environment, and reconcile their "traditional" identities with their new "Kiwi" identity. Three processes of acculturation took place concurrently: strict maintenance of certain traditional cultural features; change of other cultural features through negotiation and compromise; and unconditional adoption of the English language as communication medium with their new culture. The participants' level of well-being was difficult to assess. Not only is well-being a subjective concept, but the women did not want to taint their gratefulness with complaints. I present policy recommendations, some of which have already been partially implemented, that aim to help refugee women rebuild a coherent and secure identity. These are made at four levels: the individual; the family; the community; and New Zealand society. Suggestions for future research into the topic of identity and well being for refugees are also provided.