The role of leisure pursuits in adaptation processes among Afghan refugees who have immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada

Abstract

There is a gap in understanding the adaptation processes of minor, less established, immigrants, including the potential contribution of leisure pursuits to these processes. This study explored the role of leisure among Afghan refugees who have recently immigrated to a western Canadian city in adapting to their immigration processes. Using semi‐structured one‐on‐one interviews with 11 Afghan immigrant women and men aged from 19 to 60 years (including single women and men, single mothers with children, and two‐parent families with children), this study examined how or in what ways leisure engagements may help them adapt to their new life environment. An overarching theme identified from our phenomenological analyses of the interview data emphasises meaningful, purposeful and enjoyable leisure as a way of helping those individuals adapt to stressful life challenges in a host country/community. Not only were socially and culturally meaningful forms of leisure and recreation instrumental and purposeful to facilitate social connections and networks with Afghan families and friends as well as with non‐Afghan Canadian friends, but these also provided opportunities for cultural celebration, problem‐solving, learning and development (including cross‐cultural interaction, learning and sharing). Overall, the engagements in enjoyable, purposeful and meaningful leisure can be regarded as an expression of Afghan immigrants’ cultural strengths for their survival and thriving during stressful adaptation processes.