The Open Family Studies Journal

2016, 8 : 21-26
Published online 2016 December 29. DOI: 10.2174/1874922401608010021
Publisher ID: TOFAMSJ-8-21

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 A Narrative Account of the Life Experiences of Older Somali Refugee Women

Mehra Shirazi1, * and Kaltun Caynan2

* Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; Tel: 541-737-9274; E-mail: mehra.shirazi@oregonstate.edu

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper was to explore the factors that shape identity, agency, and quality of life for older Somali refugee women. The author used a narrative inquiry approach to analyze the life stories of 12 Somali refugee women. Narratives were analyzed for both content and form, and three main themes were identified: (1) journey of trauma and coping, (2) identity and perceptions of home and belonging, and (3) navigating a complex health care system. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the complexity of Somali refugee women’s voices in response to coping with trauma, resettlement, and belonging.

Keywords:

Somali Women, Narrative, Trauma, Identity, Health.