Expanding the Transformative Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Design Archetype in a Cross-Cultural Context: The Polemics of African Refugee Livelihoods in Places of Resettlement

Abstract

<jats:p> Transformative sequential mixed methods design in a cross-cultural context is seldom straightforward. Using a community-based participatory research approach as the transformative lens in an African refugee context in the southern United Status, we explored: (a) the intersection of culture, financial stress, and financial self-efficacy and (b) tested the efficacy of financial literacy as the focus of a culturally responsive solution grounded in community-identified priorities. Through a three-phased explanatory sequential mixed methods design, we demonstrate how the addition of a third phase of analysis that focuses on convergence and expansion of quantitative and qualitative data integration and cyclical processes of dissemination and action can strengthen the utility of transformative mixed methods research in a cross-cultural context. Our study offers a unique contribution to the long-standing methodological dialogue between the design elements of mixed methods research, community-based participatory research, and migration studies by expanding the transformative explanatory sequential design archetype in a cross-cultural context. </jats:p>

Financial Challenges and Capacity among African Refugees in the Southern USA: A Study of Socio-demographic Differences

“…This study is part of a larger community-based participatory research study that explored the resettlement challenges and capacity of African refugees in the southern USA using a mixed-methods research approach ( Maleku et al , 2020 ). Community leaders, collaborators and stakeholders were active partners in the study; they were involved in the conceptualisation of the study, refinement of study protocol, data collection and dissemination of research findings.…”

“…African refugees move to a new country to flee persecution. Upon arrival to their new home, they face challenges such as learning a new culture and way of life whilst fulfilling obligations to family members and communities they left behind ( Stoll and Johnson, 2007 ; Maleku et al , 2020 ). The inability to meet household financial obligations in their new home and the psychological effects caused by the gaps to fulfil financial demands from their original homes create financial stress ( Heckman et al , 2014 ).…”

“…When individuals lack the internal capacity and institutional supports to navigate their financial environment, they are at increased risk of experiencing financial challenges, such as financial anxiety and financial stress. In the African refugee context, financial stress due to the inability to meet financial obligations and the financial anxiety linked with making financial decisions have dire impacts on the overall well-being of African refugees ( Kim et al , 2020 ; Maleku et al , 2020 ).…”

“…Financial assistance available to refugees upon arrival through refugee resettlement programmes is limited in quantity and duration ( Capps et al , 2012 ) and, thus, is often insufficient to alleviate this economic hardship. Studies examining refugees’ economic hardship have pointed to challenges in finding stable employment; effects of frequent job changes on families’ well-being ( Maleku et al , 2020 ; Jamil et al , 2012 ); obstacles in access and utilisation of financial services ( Rhine and Greene, 2006 ; Zhan et al , 2013 ) and difficulties associated with compounded experiences of trauma and lack of connection with family members at home or abroad (Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service [LIRS], 2012).…”

In This Issue: Integrative Strategies, Philosophical Assumptions, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, Transformative Research for Social Justice, and Longitudinal Studies in Mixed Methods Research

“…There are two articles utilizing a transformative mixed methods research lens in this issue. Maleku et al (2021) with affiliations in social work, conducted a three-phase transformative explanatory sequential mixed methods design to examine the phenomenon of financial capability among an African refugee population in the Southern United States. The authors used community-based participatory research as their transformative lens.…”