CHINESE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ MIGRATION EXPERIENCES: A BIOCULTURAL ANALYSIS OF HEALTH, FOOD, AND MIGRATION

Abstract

The main purpose of this dissertation is to use both biocultural framework and life course perspective to investigate the dynamic relationship among migration induced stress, health, and culture with a focus on the processual change of foodways among the Chinese international students at the University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus. By using quantitative survey, qualitative in-depth interview, photovoice, and participant observation, this study showed that the most important factors in shaping Chinese international students’ dietary behaviors are cultural factors such as healthy belief and gender roles, life events such as upbringing and critical events, as well as social support and social network. The results of this study also suggested that staying length has impacted the participants’ dietary behaviors. In addition, this research showed that the local food environment did not have a strong impact on their dietary behaviors. This research is to provide useful information for medical anthropologists who are working in the field of immigrant dietary health. Given the fact that there are increasing hostility toward immigrants, a rise of right-wing populism, and a resurgence of Sinophobia, the findings in this study could be used by anthropologist and activists to form policies to protect and help the community in this research and similar communities