Archive | 2019
The Healthy Immigrant Effect and the Question of Acculturation
Abstract
This chapter explores what has been termed the “healthy immigrant effect,” which is the paradoxical phenomenon of surprisingly low levels of health problems in immigrants from a poor or non-industrialized country to a highly Westernized and wealthier one. The immigrants have better than expected health indicators despite their worse socioeconomic conditions that lead to the immigration. These health indicators include mental health measures, as recently migrated women have less problems during pregnancy and during the delivery and postpartum stage. There is less frequency of maternal depression, obesity, and substance use. The babies have adequate weight and less postnatal complications. These health indicators worsen as the woman and her family become more “acculturated” to the lifestyle of the host country. This has been thought to be associated with less exercise, a worse diet, more reliance on sugars and “junk food,” increased television viewing among others. This affects also the health status of young children. These effects have been shown in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and other European countries. With increased discrimination and racism, there are calls for the “total assimilation” of immigrants. This chapter questions that recommendation and highlights the protective effects of traditional cultural practices, cultural identity, and forging “new identities” in the host country, leading to pluri-culturalismor biculturalism. Other cultures might not just be “tolerated” but their protective effects and resilience could be valued.