A 'good life without bells and whistles': a case study of immigrants' well-being and leisure and its role in social sustainability in Truro, Nova Scotia. Issue 3 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gallant, Karen; Tirone, Susan
• Is Part Of: Leisure. Volume 41:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 423
• Page End: 442
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Immigration -- social sustainability -- social support -- subjective well-being -- Atlantic Canada; immigration -- développement durable social -- durabilité -- soutien social -- Canada atlantique -- bien-être subjectif; Recreation -- Ontario -- Periodicals; Recreation -- Government policy -- Ontario -- Periodicals; Loisirs -- Ontario -- Périodiques; Loisirs -- Politique gouvernementale -- Ontario -- Périodiques; Recreation; Recreation -- Government policy; Ontario; Periodicals; 790.0971305
• DOI: 10.1080/14927713.2017.1352456
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1492-7713

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Attracting immigrants to small towns is one means of bolstering the sustainability of these communities, which are challenged by outmigration and aging populations. In contrast to the common emphasis on immigrants' economic needs and contributions, this project focused on the subjective well-being of immigrants. Focusing on the experiences of immigrants in Truro, Nova Scotia, we engaged four immigrants and five service providers in semi-structured interviews focused on their experiences in terms of how members of the community in which immigrants settle help to provide resources that influence immigrants' subjective well-being. Data analyses suggested that two themes, the 'textured network of support' and 'meaningful experiences amidst changing circumstances', describe the research findings. Overall, immigrants and their supporters described meaningful relationships and sharing of familiar cultural practices as important resources that contributed to immigrants' well-being as they transitioned and built a 'new kind of family' in Truro.