‘I am man, I am woman’: Gendered experiences of refugee resettlement in the United States

Abstract

This mixed-gender and multi-method analysis examined gendered experiences among resettled refugees (n = 88) in the United States. Quantitative analyses revealed significant gender differences, with women reporting lower levels of employment and higher emotional distress. The qualitative analysis generated three themes: (1) shifting and expanding expectations of women, (2) gender disparities in education, and (3) gendered experiences of discrimination. Study findings elucidate the ways how gender shapes the lived experiences and outcomes of resettled refugees. The discussion examines implications for social work research and practice, including social work’s role in further developing this area of work.