"KEEPING THE PAIN" HEALTH, BELONGING AND RESILIENCE AMONG GUATEMALAN IMMIGRANT MEN

The data presented in this thesis were collected through 28 semi-structured interviews with Guatemalan immigrant men and women in Toronto during the summer and fall of 1999, as well as participant-observation in Guatemalan community events such as solidarity meetings, soccer matches, and holiday celebrations. This fieldwork was complemented by conversations with community health professionals in Toronto and background reading in medical anthropology, gender studies, and related health fields.

This thesis problematizes the literature on immigrant and refugee health for its lack of attention to gender as a key factor that influences processes of resettlement, and argues for greater attention to the meanings that displaced peoples attach to migration. The reluctance to talk about or seek biomedical help for health problems, for example, is an expression of masculinity among many (though not all) Guatemalan immigrant men. Health researchers and practitioners, therefore, need to pay closer attention to how practices associated with gender may negatively (or positively) affect individual health and social relations. Moreover, by analyzing the various ways in which Guatemalan immigrant men attempt to "belong" (pertenecer) in Canada, this study critiques theories of diasporization and de-territorialization and suggests that social scientists need to account for the processes by which immigrants and refugees strive to belong. (Not) Belonging, is a key idiom through which Guatemalan immigrant men express their sense of well-being. As such, this thesis argues that academics and service providers need to recognize the resilience of immigrants and refugees and help facilitate healthy resettlement.

I want to acknowledge the many kind and generous people who have helped me, both directly and indirectly, with the research for this thesis.

First of all, I want to thank my supervisor, David Lumsden, who has provided me with tireless support and encouragement. As a graduate student and novice researcher, I often felt like I was flying by the seat of my pants. But David was always there to remind me that I had moved "from soccer to scholar" for a reason. David’s vibrant intellect and passion for knowledge were important sources of motivation for my research on this thesis.

To my other committee members, Daphne Winland and Alan Simmons, I wish to thank them for their masterful editing skills and for helping me to become a better critical thinker. I thank Daphne especially for her willingness to engage in countless hallway chats, and for assuring me that it’s OK to keep one eye on what you’re doing, and the other eye on what you want to do next.

As for my fellow students and colleagues, I thank them for many provocative discussions which have influenced the way I think (and write) today. I would particularly like to mention Kevin Pottie who has inspired me in too many ways to mention here. Briefly, I thank Kevin for his guidance and energy and I can only hope that this thesis reflects his commitment to research and healing.

Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the Guatemalan immigrant men and women who took time to share their stories with me. Without their trust, generosity and tremendous strength, this project would never have materialized. Among them, I would especially like to thank Miguel, Maria, and Francisco and their families for listening to my ideas and for introducing me to their Guatemalan friends in Toronto. I thank them all for the dinners, atol, and soccer matches. Thanks also to Zuly and Janet for their assistance with transcribing and translation.

To my parents, my brother and my dear girlfriend, Alison, I thank them for moral, financial and editorial support, sometimes from thousands of miles away. Research can be lonely work, and it was their shared sense of excitement and confidence that reassured me it was all worthwhile.

I would also like to acknowledge and express my gratitude for the financial assistance I received from the Department of Social Anthropology and York University for research costs.

And, finally, I dedicate this thesis to the life and memory of "Pancho" (1959-1999), a wonderful friend, energetic activist, and committed father. Your work, Pancho, continues to motivate myself and others who were lucky enough to know you.