Examining the role of integration experiences in shaping immigrants’ post-migration food choices and eating practices in Ontario, Canada
Abstract
Despite the extensive literature on immigrants’ post-migration dietary transitions and their implications for long-term health and well-being, little research has been conducted to link these processes to their integration experiences. This dissertation contributes to the current literature by examining the interrelationship between immigrants’ integration experiences – especially their economic integration – and their post-migration food choices and eating practices.
The first integrated article (Chapter 2) draws on qualitative interviews with 38 recent immigrants in two Ontario cities (Toronto and London) in Canada. First, this chapter focuses on illustrating recent immigrants’ general experiences in managing their post-migration food choices and eating practices in Canada. Second, this chapter further explores what structural aspects related to immigrants’ integration experiences play a role in shaping their opportunities and barriers to healthy eating. The next integrated article (Chapter 3) draws on qualitative interviews with 23 immigrant men and immigrant women that are heterosexually married. This chapter takes an intersectional life course approach to explore who takes on the responsibility of “feeding the family” and identifies forces and pressures that encourage taking on such a role. Further, I also examine what specific challenges these immigrant families experience and what strategies they adopt as they endeavour to produce healthy, home-cooked meals. The last integrated article (Chapter 4) is a case study using a mixed-method approach. By analyzing quantitative data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey, this study first examines the awareness and usage of Canada’s Food Guide among Canadian adults in Ontario, comparing how immigrants differ from native-born Canadians. Second, I draw on qualitative data from 45 in-depth interviews with recent immigrants and international students to further explore their general experiences in accessing and using Canada’s Food Guide.
The overarching goal of this dissertation is to contribute to the current literature on immigrant integration, lifestyle, health, and well-being – and also to suggest future directions for policies surrounding immigration and their health and well-being.