Acculturation and leisure : a case study on Jamaican immigrant newcomers' experiences in Southwest Manitoba

Johnson, Davion

Brandon, Manitoba

Brandon University, Faculty of Education

2020

xiv, 180 pages : illustrations

thesis

Includes bibliographical references (pages 161-173).
"In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology and Student Services."

English

Acculturation and Leisure: A Case Study on Jamaican Immigrant Newcomers in Southwest Manitoba is an in-depth descriptive qualitative case study that examined the acculturation experience of Jamaican immigrant newcomers in Southwest Manitoba. Acculturation is cultural exchange between two distinct culture groups, resulting in psychological and socio-cultural adaptations (Berry, 1990, 2005). Using Berry's model of acculturation as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this research was to understand the lived experience of Jamaican immigrant newcomers and examine if and how sport, leisure, and recreation was supportive to their acculturation. Findings indicate that sport, leisure and recreation play an important role in Jamaican immigrant newcomer's acculturation experience in Southwest Manitoba. As well, participants preferred integration (defined as being engaged in both their cultural heritage and that of the dominant society), as opposed to either assimilation or separation (value for one or the other culture) or marginalization (having value for neither culture). Noticeably, participation in sport, leisure, and recreation provided a platform for socialization where individuals experienced cultural exchange and cultural immersion, with a positive increase in mental health and wellbeing. The study found that providing access to sport, leisure, and recreation activities that were meaningful and culturally relevant to Jamaican immigrant newcomers mitigated acculturative stress and supported greater integration. The results of the study have important implications for the helping professions, and policy and program development regarding immigrant newcomers in the Westman area, particularly as they relate to sport, leisure, and recreation. Future research on acculturation that considers other factors such as age, gender, length of settlement time, immigration motivation, previous leisure activities, and educational attainment could be explored.

Jamaicans--Manitoba--Southwest Region
Acculturation--Manitoba--Southwest Region
Leisure--Manitoba--Southwest Region

Brandon University
Faculty of Education