Emanuelsen, K, Pearce, T, Oakes, J et al. (2 more authors) (2020) Sewing and Inuit women's health in the Canadian Arctic. Social Science & Medicine, 265. 113523. ISSN 0277-9536
Abstract
Traditional Inuit cultural values and practices are integral to an Inuit understanding of health. We examine the role of sewing in Inuit women’s health in the Canadian Arctic in a case study of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada. An analysis of data collected using semi-structured interviews with 30 Inuit women reveals that sewing contributes to participant’s health and the collective health of the community in several ways including: pride and sense of accomplishment; cultural identity; relaxation, decompression, and socialization; and spirituality and healing. As a cultural practice, sewing is about older generations teaching younger generations about their identity, who they are and where they come from. For some participants, sewing is a way through which they express their culture. Sewing brings people together at a time when social isolation is becoming more apparent, and gives women the chance to learn vital, tangible skills that continue to have social, economic, and cultural importance. Sewing is also a form of healing that helps women ease their minds and focus on a challenging and productive task that brings them satisfaction, self-worth, and value. We conclude that sewing is important for cultural continuity, enabling Inuit to both practice and carryon their culture, and contributing positively to individual and the collective health of the community.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Authors/Creators: |
|
Keywords: | Culture; Determinants of health; Health and well-being; Identity; Indigenous; Sewing; Traditional activities |
Dates: |
|
Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Earth and Environment (Leeds) > Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 04 Jan 2021 15:23 |
Last Modified: | 04 Jan 2021 15:23 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113523 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:169196 |