Unveiling social belonging: Exploring the narratives of immigrant Muslim older women
Abstract
Older adults who lack a secure sense of social belonging may report loneliness, isolation, and ostracization in their communities. Little attention has been paid to the perceptions of social belonging among immigrant Muslim older (IMO) women. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring IMO women’s experiences of social belonging. This qualitative descriptive study used photo elicitation and narrative interviewing to draw on the experiences of 14 IMO women living in Edmonton, AB, Canada. An integrative framework of social belonging was used to guide theoretical conceptualizations of what comprises belonging, and a thematic analysis approach was used to highlight factors and influences that shape how participants have constructed their experiences of belonging. The findings suggest that a sense of belonging is influenced by feelings of loneliness and loss, opportunities for community engagement, and social competencies related to maintaining family relationships. Additionally, the findings indicate the importance of IMO women’s perceptions and reflections on aging as these shape their sense of belonging. These findings not only provide insight into the intricate and shifting nature of belonging but also emphasize the need for structural support to benefit both IMO women and the communities they reside in. Cultivating belonging is a collective responsibility involving older women, their social networks, and society at large, including government and public services. A sense of belonging is crucial to counter ageism and promote positive self-perceptions of aging, particularly within ethnocultural communities.
Notes
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified:
1) Conduct future research on specific groups within IMO women, e.g. newly arrived older immigrants, those with lower socioeconomic status, those experiencing language and cultural barriers, etc.
2) Understanding the perspectives of the family and social network surrounding IMO women could comprehensively capture opportunities for social belonging and identify points of intervention for programming most relevant to IMO women.
Key findings:
Themes included:
1) Avoiding loneliness and loss is the motivation to belong
2) Opportunities for choosing family: Beyond nuclear family relationships
3) Competencies pertinent to social engagement in the family
4) Perceptions and reflections on aging experiences
Key populations: Muslim immigrant women ages 55 and up living in Edmonton
Key recommendations:
1) Foster opportunities specifically for IMO women to build social capital within ethnocultural spaces.
2) Enhance the capacity of IMO women to navigate services, particularly involving language learning opportunities, addressing pre-migratory realities, socioeconomic conditions, family circumstances, and personal priorities.
3) Shift service infrastructure and policies to recognize the heterogeneity within IMO women, as well as diverse contexts and priorities.
4) Create avenues to cultivate connections for IMO women beyond their community through bridging social capital to broader networks.
Open access: Yes
Integration timeline: not defined
Location: Edmonton, AB