Reviewing Chinese immigrant women's health experiences in English-speaking Western Countries: a postcolonial feminist analysis

Abstract

Considering the growing size and diversity of Chinese immigrant populations in English-speaking Western countries, as well as the socioeconomic vulnerability of immigrant women, this integrative review aims to provide a critical analysis of research on the health experiences of the recent wave of Chinese immigrant women. Fifty-six peer-reviewed research articles, written in English and published between 2000 and 2014, formed the sample for this review. Four themes emerged through postcolonial feminist analysis: (1) dichotomy between Chinese “culture” and Western medicine, (2) essentialization of health beliefs and practices, (3) critique of Western healthcare services delivery from Chinese immigrant women's perspectives, and (4) erasure of institutional responsibilities. The conclusion points out some limitations of this review and discusses the implications these themes suggest for strengthening healthcare systems in English-speaking Western countries where Chinese immigrant women's health experiences are shaped.

Keywords:

• Chinese immigrant
• women
• postcolonial feminism
• integrative review
• health experiences

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF). The earlier version of this article significantly improved with the comments by anonymous reviewers.

Notes

1. Economic class refers to the immigrants selected by the receiving countries based on work experience, level of education, and knowledge of English.