"Otra vez a la lucha"-" to the fight again": immigrants' occupational struggles during the socioeconomic crisis in Spain

Background: During the socio-economic crisis in Spain, immigrants have been one of the groups most affected by the general worsening of the social determinants of health with direct implications in their wellbeing... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
During the socio-economic crisis in Spain, immigrants have been one of the groups most affected by the general worsening of the social determinants of health with direct implications in their wellbeing (Colectivo-Ioé, 2013). Despite the increase of the scientific production on post-migration occupations, literature approaching the relationship of daily occupations and wellbeing from a critical perspective is scarce. This study was aimed at advancing understanding of immigrant women’s experiences of daily participation in occupations to collaboratively envision actions to promote health/wellbeing.
Method:
A Participatory Health Research study was carried out, informed by Boaventura de Sousa Santos critical theory (Santos, 2014). Six women from Latin America participated in the study. Data were generated through: group discussion, interviews, diaries and Metaplan. A critical narrative analysis and a participatory thematic analysis were performed.
Results:
This presentation will address the “occupational struggles in daily live” and the “Agenda for change”, which are topics set in collaboration with the participants through the data analysis.
Conclusion:
Findings support previous studies while showing singularities: the impact of structural violence in everyday occupations; contribute to a critical analysis of the concept occupational choice (Galvaan, 2012); and challenge the linear understanding of occupational transition and integration after migration by clarifying how a peripheral area of participation in occupations can be generated in society. Participation in daily occupations functions as space of oppression and resistance.
Application to Practice:
Occupational Therapists may engage in the promotion of health and immigrant’s wellbeing by enabling immigrants’ social participation (Galheigo, 2011).