Postgraduate Researchers

PhD Research Student - School of Social Sciences, Law and Education

Project Title: An Exploratory Study of the Lived Experience of African Women Adapting to Life in Ireland 

Project Abstract: 

The study explores the adaptation experiences of African women in Ireland, including the barriers/ challenges they encountered while integrating into Irish society, and the strategies they utilised to navigate and circumvent these challenges. Within the literature, the barriers faced by migrant communities are well documented. However less is known about how migrant communities manage in such circumstances and forge a life in a new socio-cultural milieu. In addition, this study focuses on the lived experience of African women as they have a complex and intersectional integration experience that differs from other migrant groups.   

A qualitative methodology was utilised, and seventeen women of African origin were interviewed. Using a deductive research approach, Kim’s (2001) Integrative Theory of Communication and Cross-Cultural Adaptation was utilised as a scaffold to examine the barriers and challenges the participants encountered, and the adaptive strategies they drew on in circumventing these barriers. Initial findings indicate that (i) adapting to life in Ireland was stressful at first, but this lessened over time, (ii) participants encountered multiple challenges along the way, including financial uncertainty, difficulty accessing accommodation and/or employment, racism and discrimination, and cultural considerations such as negotiating bi-cultural identity and the intergenerational transmission of cultural values and practices. In addition to this, the findings indicate that the participants drew on a range of strategies to manage these contextual challenges, including building a community around oneself, adopting a mindset that embraced challenges and maintained a positive outlook even in the face of adversity, and recognising the transformative power of education.  This research contributes to the wider knowledge base on migration and integration by highlighting the strength, determination and adaptability demonstrated by African women in response to complex societal barriers, and recommendations will be made with regards to supporting the adaptation of future women transitioning to life in Ireland. Building a cohesive and inclusive society is of benefit to all and is a stated priority for the Irish Government. Thus, the findings from this research could inform policy on both migrant integration and social inclusion. 

Keywords: Ireland, integration, African women, barriers, adaptive strategies  

Supervisor: Dr. Fiona McSweeney