Chinese immigrant women in remote communities: Adjustment and social support networks.

This study used a combined method of narrative analysis and thematic analysis to explore the adjustment process for Chinese immigrant women in remote settings. Participants who were originally from Mainland China, but came to Canada under sponsorship or with their husbands were interviewed. Six themes and 19 sub-themes emerged from the data, which show that Chinese immigrant women in remote settings experience social isolation, unemployment, severe weather, a different lifestyle, marriages behind screens, and challenges of parenting. Some challenges occur regardless of the settings (urban or rural), whereas others happen or are exacerbated in remote communities. In remote communities of northern B.C., unique conditions and severe weather can result in difficulties of adjustment. Nonetheless, the women may have more job opportunities in remote settings even if these are low paying, manual labour jobs. The findings also demonstrate that the women's social support networks are one of the most important factors in adjusting to the new country. --P. i.