Food and meals among homeless migrant families in Sweden – including photo documentation by their children

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article aims to develop an understanding of food and meals as a family practice of migrant families living in structural homelessness. It is based on a study in which 15 children (aged 9–16) photographed events in their everyday lives and spoke about them. In addition, the children’s parents (17 mothers and fathers) were interviewed. This article reveals that meals have different meanings for these families: as a structure in the everyday life, as a form of caring for the family, and as a social occasion in which the family’s culture becomes expressed through traditional foods and dishes. Meals also become a means of maintaining a sense of normality in a difficult life situation. They function as a unifying family practice and a bearer of emotions as they communicate a sense of security, tradition, and identity. The photographs allowed meal practices to be displayed and acknowledged in relation to their surroundings. Despite difficult living conditions and restricted economic circumstances, the photographs indicate that the children are given well-balanced meals. The families try to make the best of the opportunities available to them.