Self-identified and Clinically Diagnosed Mental Health Issues due to Gender-Based Marginalization: Lived Experiences of Women from Pakistani Diaspora in Canada

Abstract

The present study examines self-identified and clinically diagnosed mental health issues due to gender-based marginalization through the lived experiences of women from Pakistani diaspora in Canada. Pakistani women face deep-rooted and culturally supported gender biasness within their households under strict patriarchal hierarchies. The situation persists regardless of their geographic location in Pakistani households. For investigation, phenomenological approach under the qualitative research methodology and eight semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with participants living in most densely populated Pakistani neighborhoods across the major urban centers of Canada. As per participant responses conducted through thematic analysis, eight categories emerged: constant guilt, sleeplessness, self-doubt, tension, anxiety and panic attacks, validation, media reinforcement, obsessive-compulsive disorder and body-shaming. The findings highlighted that the present study is at the intersection of gender, migration, and racialization. The results suggest that participants face vulnerabilities due to migration challenges, social constraints, cultural gendered expectations and deep-rooted familial hierarchical structures. The study emphasizes on the need for social reforms that collectively converge migration challenges, cultural understanding, education and empowerment.