Social networks, health and identity: exploring culturally embedded masculinity with the Pakistani community, West Midla
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access
Social networks, health and identity: exploring culturally embedded masculinity with the Pakistani community, West Midlands, UK Farina Kokab1*, Sheila Greenfield1, Antje Lindenmeyer2, Manbinder Sidhu3, Lynda Tait4 and Paramjit Gill5
Abstract Background: Migrants from South Asia living in developed countries have an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), with limited research into underlying social causes. Methods: We used social capital as an interpretive lens to undertake analysis of exploratory qualitative interviews with three generations of at-risk migrant Pakistani men from the West Midlands, UK. Perceptions of social networks, trust, and cultural norms associated with access to healthcare (support and information) were the primary area of exploration. Results: Findings highlighted the role of social networks within religious or community spaces embedded as part of ethnic enclaves. Local Mosques and gyms remained key social spaces, where culturally specific gender differences played out within the context of a diaspora community, defined ways in which individuals navigated their social spheres and influenced members of their family and community on health and social behaviours. Conclusions: There are generational and age-based differences in how members use locations to access and develop social support for particular lifestyle choices. The pursuit of a healthier lifestyle varies across the diverse migrant community, determined by social hierarchies and socio-cultural factors. Living close to similar others can limit exposure to novel lifestyle choices and efforts need to be made to promote wider integration between communities and variety of locations catering to health and lifestyle. Keywords: Qualitative, Pakistani, Men, Social capital, Identity
Background The growing prevalence of obesity alongside co-morbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) require global preventative action [1]. At greater risk are migrants, where the movement of people across borders coincides with changing health beliefs and behaviours [2]. In the UK, the 10-year NHS plan highlighted the need for greater support in Black and Minority Ethnic * Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Institute of Applied Health Research, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
(BAME) communities to address specific health needs through lifestyle services which subsequently led to increased funding to further develop the Diabetes Prevention Programme [3]. Given that 65% of men were classified as overweight or obese in 2016 (in the UK), there is a clear need to increase men’s access to lifestyle services [4]. Neighbourhood studies in the UK have shown minority-ethnic groups are over-represented in deprived areas characterised by disadvantaged physical environments, including inadequate leisure facilities, housing, and over stretched primary and secondary healthcare
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