Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2019
Abstract
Abstract: Structural inequalities in the U.S. work environment place most immigrants in low paying, high-risk jobs. Understanding how work experiences and influence the health of different immigrant populations is essential to address disparities. This article explores how Brazilian and Dominican immigrants feel about their experiences working in the U.S. and how the relationship between work and culture might impact their health. In partnership with the Dominican Development Center and the Brazilian Worker Center, we held five cultural conversations (CCs) with Brazilians (n = 48) and five with Dominicans (n = 40). CCs are participatory, unstructured groups facilitated by representatives from or embedded in the community. Brazilian immigrants focused on physical health and the American Dream while Dominicans immigrants emphasized concerns about the influence of work on mental health. Dominicans’ longer tenure in the U.S. and differences in how Brazilians and Dominicans are racialized in the region might account for the variation in perspectives between groups. Future studies should further investigate the relationship between health and how immigrants’ work lives are shaped by culture, race and immigrant status.
Recommended Citation
Brinkerhoff, Cristina; Siqueira, Carlos Eduardo; Negrón, Rosalyn; and Tracy, Natalicia, "There you enjoy life here you work- Brazilian and Dominican Immigrant Views on Work and Health in the US" (2019). Gastón Institute Publications. 350.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/gaston_pubs/350
Included in
Community-Based Research Commons, Migration Studies Commons, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons
Comments
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601; CODEN: IJERGQ; ISSN 1661-7827 for printed edition) is an interdisciplinary peer-reviewed open access journal published semi-monthly online by MDPI. It covers Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Public Health, Environmental Health, Occupational Hygiene, Health Economic and Global Health Research, etc. The International Society Doctors for the Environment (ISDE) and Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) are affiliated with IJERPH and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.