Cultivating social occupations, spaces, and networks: service providers’ perspectives on enabling immigrants’ social participation

Abstract

Introduction Immigrants may experience many barriers to social participation within host societies. Immigrants’ integration into Canadian society is supported through government-funded services. Objective In the present study, we explored the perspectives of service providers working in community organizations regarding their role in enabling immigrants’ social participation through occupations in British Columbia, Canada. Method Representatives from twenty different organizations providing services to the community participated in a constructivist qualitative study aiming to uncover aspects shaping opportunities for occupational participation provided for immigrants. Results Drawing on semi-structured interviews and using thematic analysis, we identified three main themes relating to cultivating social occupations, spaces, and networks. Findings illustrate that service providers’ cultivation of these opportunities can support immigrants’ desired social roles and social identities, further enabling their participation in receiving societies. Conclusion Emphasis upon supporting socio-economic integration into society appears to limit a client-centred approach to developing opportunities for social participation through occupation. Implications for occupational therapists and scientists are discussed.

Occupation’s Role in Inclusion of Spanish-Speaking Older Adults in a Senior Center

“…More explicitly, this study does not seek to focus its lens on individual experiences of the community, but rather at a community-level analysis of occupation, yet still informed by individual experiences. Through this lens, the role for occupational therapy in supporting positive and health-oriented community change through “doing together” is examined ( Huot et al, 2021 ; Lavalley et al, 2020 ; Lopes & Malfitano, 2020 ).…”