Degree Date
2022
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Social Work and Social Research
Abstract
As a consequence of displacement, refugees grapple with significant resettlement challenges, such as social isolation, language barriers and depression, anxiety, and trauma. A growing body of literature focuses on place-making, or emplacement, to promote health and well-being for re-settlement challenges. This qualitative study helps social service providers understand the neces-sity for community-based interventions to improve the resettlement process for refugees, using a place attachment model. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Karen and Chin Burmese (Myanmar) adult refugees who participated in a community garden program in Phil-adelphia (ages 28 to 82). Data analysis revealed that community gardens offer an opportunity for social interactions, improved well-being, a sense of belonging, maintenance of cultural tradi-tions, and cultivation of native crops to sustain a connection to one's country of origin for refugees. These findings also operationalize and conceptualize the meaning of place and home, especially the mechanisms of place-making within the context of a community-based program. Findings also contributed to the formation of a new conceptual model, “Uprooted-Re-Rooted Planted,” for refugee resettlement. Community programs for refugees build social connected-ness, belonging, and unity, as well as trust and rapport, and decrease psychological distress, all critical tasks during resettlement. Integrating both community and the natural environment, community gardening programs offer refugees the opportunity to maintain agrarian and cultural traditions practiced in their countries-of-origin, especially the cultivation of native food.
Citation
Stein, A. E. 2022. "How Do Refugees Experience a “Sense Of Place” in a Community Garden? Exploring an Intervention to Mitigate the Consequences of Displacement." PhD Diss., Bryn Mawr College.