Book Reviews by Miriam Kuttikat
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International Journal of Social Psychiatry, Jan 1, 2009
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Affilia-journal of Women and Social Work, 2010
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Refereed Journal Articles by Miriam Kuttikat
For the past few decades, Kerala, India, has been heralded as the model of development and has at... more For the past few decades, Kerala, India, has been heralded as the model of development and has attracted significant media and academic attention. Among its most noteworthy achievements are its literacy, life expectancy, and mortality rates and state government spending on social welfare. However, these macrorealities mask many unpleasant microrealities, such as subjugating cultural practices and violence against women. This article explores the social system of Kerala to identify the invisibility of highly literate women in Kerala. The objectives are to deconstruct the gender paradox in Kerala and to discuss strategies to transform the dominant discourse including social work. Keywords gender-based violence, gender paradox, Kerala puzzle, literacy and gender Kerala, a southern state of India, has received significant attention from the international development community since the 1970s for its human development indicators. Amid low levels of economic growth, Kerala is renowned for its achievements in literacy, life expectancy, and mortality rates. In what has been coined the ''Kerala model'' of development, the state is recognized as an anomaly, with its high human development index and low per capita income (Devika, 2006; Ramanathaiyer & Macpherson, 2000). Kerala enjoys a tropical climate and is covered in lush green vegetation, in contrast to the more arid climate of northern India (Menon, 1979). Malayalam is the predominant language of the region. The majority of Kerala's population subscribes to the Hindu faith; however, this region also has a significant number of Christians and Muslims. Prior to colonization, marumakkathayam-the matrilineal system of inheritance-was practiced in many Hindu families. However, in the early 20th century, it was increasingly condemned by Hindu men who wanted to reform the matrilineal system (Menon, 2008). This reformation, in part, was a result of colonization, which paved the way for a patriarchal social structure with the importation of Western values. Among the changes brought about was the shift in ideology to emphasize men's right to assert power over women (George, 2008). Currently, traditions are dictated and interpreted through male dominance with the support of colonial-postcolonial patriarchal norms. The influence of men is
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A growing number of academic researchers from developed countries are conducting refugee-based re... more A growing number of academic researchers from developed countries are conducting refugee-based research in developing countries. Despite gaining theoretical knowledge in the classroom, early career researchers are inexperienced in the application of knowledge to fieldwork, especially in an international setting. In this practice note, the author draws upon the experience of working with Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Indian refugee camps in order to discuss the ethical challenges faced during fieldwork. The note describes how Rowson's (2010) FAIR framework-Fairness, Autonomy, Integrity and Results-provided a flexible structure to prioritize ethical demands and assume accountability for the research process and outcome. The author argues that promoting mutual respect and an open dialogue between the researcher, university and community ethical bodies, collaborating community agencies and community elders can instil research practices with the creativity, flexibility and common sense that is ideal for conducting refugee research in developing countries.
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Purpose-The civil war prompted many Tamils to flee Sri Lanka as refugees. Several researchers hav... more Purpose-The civil war prompted many Tamils to flee Sri Lanka as refugees. Several researchers have documented psychological distress and trauma among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, but the literature lacks sufficient discussion of resilience among this population. Although Sri Lankan Tamil refugees have experienced conflict and loss, they have also demonstrated positive adaptation following these challenges. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach-The present study used an ecological approach, in which the effect of the environment on a person is regarded as significant, to explore resilience among Sri Lankan Tamils living in refugee camps in India. Findings-Through a qualitative investigation of refugee experiences of war and camp life, the authors developed a conceptual framework for understanding individual and collective resilience among refugees. Research limitations/implications-Additionally, the results of this study need to be interpreted with caution because participants were camp refugees, which may limit the applicability of these results with refugees who live in different settings. Practical implications-The current research results show that intervention programs should have multiple components, including trauma intervention to address the individual and community psychological and psychiatric effects of war and migration experiences and psychosocial interventions to address individual, family, community dynamics and daily stressors. Social implications-The study participants stated that Sri Lankan Tamil refugees are using their resilience traits including will power, positive talk, practical solutions, social support, religion and social networks to remake their broken souls. Originality/value-Future studies need to be conducted with other refugee group to validate the findings of the paper.
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A growing number of academic researchers from developed countries are conducting refugee-based re... more A growing number of academic researchers from developed countries are conducting refugee-based research in developing countries. Despite gaining theoretical knowledge in the classroom, early career researchers are inexperienced in the application of knowledge to fieldwork, especially in an international setting. In this practice note, the author draws upon the experience of working with Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Indian refugee camps in order to discuss the ethical challenges faced during fieldwork. The note describes how Rowson's (2010) FAIR framework-Fairness, Autonomy, Integrity and Results-provided a flexible structure to prioritize ethical demands and assume accountability for the research process and outcome. The author argues that promoting mutual respect and an open dialogue between the researcher, university and community ethical bodies, collaborating community agencies and community elders can instil research practices with the creativity, flexibility and common sense that is ideal for conducting refugee research in developing countries.
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Social Work in Mental Health, 2017
Engagement of individuals with serious mental illnesses in community mental health services is a ... more Engagement of individuals with serious mental illnesses in community mental health services is a significant challenge. The Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) is an individual-centered and self-contained mental health program that provides psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to persons with serious mental illness who have a history of or likelihood of disengagement with services. Understanding what helps and hinders consumers' involvement in PACT services may provide information on how to tailor engagement strategies to individuals based on their treatment needs and preferences. The current study builds on existing studies by exploring factors that help and hinder engagement in PACT services from the perspectives of individuals receiving treatment. We conducted open-ended, semi-structured interviews with 17 individuals receiving PACT services. Nine themes were identified through thematic analysis: Desirable qualities of PACT, Focusing on positive outcomes , PACT as a safety net, Recovery orientation, Practical barriers, Conflictual relationships, and Medication side-effects. We conclude that the development of a trusting, therapeutic relationship that is collaborative and person-centered and that is facilitated by both practical and emotional support is critical to engaging individuals in treatment and maximizing positive outcomes.
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Repatriation to Sri Lanka has become a primary challenge to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Indian r... more Repatriation to Sri Lanka has become a primary challenge to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Indian refugee camps, and a matter of significant public discussion in India and Sri Lanka. Anxiety about repatriation among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees and lack of initiation from the Sri Lan-kan government threatens the development of a coherent repatriation strategy. This article proposes a conceptual framework of repatriation success for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, which the Sri Lankan government, non-governmental agencies, and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees may use to develop a concrete strategy for repatriation. Based upon the study results of two of the authors' repatriation studies, this article identifies and describes the four key concepts of the repatriation framework: livelihood development, language and culture awareness, social relationships, and equal citizenship within a nation. Résumé Le rapatriement vers le Sri Lanka constitue l'un des défis principaux que doivent affronter les réfugiés tamouls d'origine sri lankaise vivant dans les camps de réfugiés en Inde, et un sujet important de débats publics en Inde ainsi qu'au Sri Lanka. L'inquiétude envers le rapatriement parmi les réfugiés tamouls d'origine sri lankaise et l'absence de démarches de la part du gouvernement sri lankais compro-met le développement d'une stratégie cohérente de rapatrie-ment. L'objectif principal de cet article est de proposer un cadre conceptuel pour un rapatriement réussi à l'égard des réfugiés tamouls d'origine sri lankaise que le gouvernement sri lankais, les agences non gouvernementales et les réfugiés dont il est question pourraient utiliser afin de développer une stratégie concrète pour le rapatriement. Fondé sur les résultats provenant des études de recherche sur le rapatrie-ment effectuées par deux des auteurs, l'article identifie et décrit les quatre concepts clés du cadre de rapatriement : le développement des moyens de subsistance, une prise de conscience linguistique et culturelle, les liens sociaux et l'égalité de la citoyenneté dans le contexte national.
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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social …, Jan 1, 2008
Religious patriarchy works as a vehicle for encouraging women to accept gender oppression through... more Religious patriarchy works as a vehicle for encouraging women to accept gender oppression through religion, in order to maintain the cohesion of the male-dominated gender system in India. Religious patriarchy brings to the forefront many theoretical and political questions regarding the location of women in religion. Examining the politics of location also requires an exploration of the historical, geographical and cultural boundaries which provide the groundwork for political definition. The position of women in religion is actually based on multiple locations that have evolved through integration of complex configurations of language and power. In this presentation, the presenter likens the position of women in patriarchal religion to the control exerted over individuals during the colonial period and continuing during the imperialistic era. This presentation examines religious discourse on women’s position in India by investigating the conditions that produced this discourse, its correlation with male supremacy, and the many ways in which its ideas were deployed to keep women oppressed. The presenter will also explore the intersection of colonial and religious discourses which has produced different meanings of religious patriarchy in India. The presenter will also analyze the growing resistance by women in Kerala, India to dowry-related issues and violence, and the lack of support they are receiving from religion institutions.
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Clinical Social Work Journal, Jan 1, 2010
The effects of trauma on refugees are long-lasting, both physically and mentally. The primary obj... more The effects of trauma on refugees are long-lasting, both physically and mentally. The primary objective of this paper is to broaden the scope of theoretical knowledge on refugee trauma by building on refugee, Post-Colonial, Trauma and Feminist theories, and emphasizing refugee trauma as a consequence of multiple historical, social and political constraints which are embedded in the personal experiences of refugees. By incorporating these various theories, the author proposes an integrated model to aid service providers in identifying the various trauma factors associated with refugees, as well as to facilitate the development of efficient service delivery mechanisms for this population.
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Clinical Social Work Journal, Jan 1, 2012
Each step of the refugee migratory journey has its own unique characteristics and mental health c... more Each step of the refugee migratory journey has its own unique characteristics and mental health consequences, which require much attention from social work service providers. In an effort to provide quality service delivery for refugees, their premigration, migration and post-migration traumatic experiences need to be examined and understood beyond current narrow formulations. Integrating the concepts derived from refugee trauma and psychological distress literature, the author presents in this paper group-based interventions grounded in cultural competency, spirituality and strengths which will enable social workers to provide efficient service delivery and adopt a leadership role among service providers as advocates for refugees.
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Social Work in Mental Health, Jan 1, 2011
This article analyzes Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) utilizing examples from professional soci... more This article analyzes Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) utilizing examples from professional social work practice. The author also incorporates into this discussion the ethical concerns and power struggles faced by social workers treating clients under implementing CTOs, and offers strategies they can employ to strengthen their position in the mental health system in order to more effectively foster recovery and empowerment for individuals with mental illness.
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A significant number of Sri Lankan Tamils fled the violence unleashed during the civil war (1983–... more A significant number of Sri Lankan Tamils fled the violence unleashed during the civil war (1983–2009) between Tamils and the Sri Lankan government. The largest concentrations of Sri Lankan Tamils outside of Sri Lanka exist in Canada and India. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of pre-migration and post-migration experiences on Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Canada and India. A total of 35 refugees participated in the qualitative study. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. About 28 participants were from Gummidipoondi refugee camps near Chennai, India, and seven were from Toronto, Canada. There were 22 males and 13 females. The content analysis revealed war-related complex distress among participants. Major themes identified were civil war, genocide and escape, settlement/Kudiyettam, the role of the United Nations and Refugee Board policies. The results of the study emphasize the distress caused by the civil war and the subsequent journey many refugees took to reach their current settlements. Post-migration settlements including migration policies continue to prolong suffering and psychological abuse for many Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. Expanding and negotiating these policies to fit diverse cultural, social and political human experiences would better serve refugees during their migratory journey.
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Affilia, Jan 1, 2011
For the past few decades, Kerala, India, has been heralded as the model of development and has at... more For the past few decades, Kerala, India, has been heralded as the model of development and has attracted significant media and academic attention. Among its most noteworthy achievements are its literacy, life expectancy, and mortality rates and state government spending on social welfare. However, these macrorealities mask many unpleasant microrealities, such as subjugating cultural practices and violence against women. This article explores the social system of Kerala to identify the invisibility of highly literate women in Kerala. The objectives are to deconstruct the gender paradox in Kerala and to discuss strategies to transform the dominant discourse including social work.
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The objective of this study was to generate a deeper understanding of the influence of pre- and p... more The objective of this study was to generate a deeper understanding of the influence of pre- and post-migration traumatic experiences on refugees’ psychological distress, including historical, political and social factors. This dissertation used a multi-method design to examine the impact of trauma on the psychological well-being of refugees. Further, the design included a qualitative component to provide a contextual framework for understanding refugee psychological distress that is not limited to an analysis of a disease model alone but by also making connections to important historical, social and political events. Post-Colonial, Refugee, Trauma and Feminist theories are used as analytic lenses to explain the social structures and events contributing to refugees’ pre- and post-migration traumatic events, and psychological distress. This was an international study that spanned two continents. Sampling included 50 Sri Lankan Tamil refugee participants who lived in Chennai, India and 50 Sri Lankan refugees in Toronto, Canada. Inclusion criteria included a residency period of the last 12 months in either of the sampling sites, and participants 18 years of age or older. Participants from Toronto were recruited through social service agencies and associations, and participants from Chennai were recruited from refugee camps, and the Organization for Elam Refugee Rehabilitation. Tamil versions of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, the Post-Migration Living Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Symptoms Check List – 90R were utilized to measure participants’ pre- and post-migration traumatic events and psychological distress. The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire contained qualitative open-ended questions to triangulate the quantitative data in identifying and exploring the impact of contextual influences. Results showed that post-migration traumatic event scores positively predicted psychological distress, and refugee claimants living in Canada had the highest scores on pre-migration and post-migration scores. The qualitative analysis revealed themes related to civil war and resettlement as significant issues. Implications of these findings support the development of a multi-level approach within social work practice which emphasizes contextual issues, focuses on individuals, and promotes social advocacy. Recommendations for future research point to conducting longitudinal studies to assess the cumulative effects of historical, social and political factors on refugees and identify resiliencies that mobilize their capacity to survive.
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Health educators with a clear vision are moving healthcare systems forward in terms of knowledge-... more Health educators with a clear vision are moving healthcare systems forward in terms of knowledge-building practices. Health educators are key figures in providing quality educational experiences that prepare students for a diverse healthcare environment. The primary role of a health educator in a healthcare setting is to provide practice-oriented innovative educational activities. To become more effective in this role, health educators need enhanced educational skills and exposure to recent research and technologies. Currently, they must advance their knowledge through experience and self-instruction.It is clear that there have not been enough studies that examine the roles, facilitators and challenges of health educators. The objective of this study is to investigate these roles, facilitators and challenges faced by health educators in Toronto. Participants in this study were given an opportunity to discuss their experiences as health educators. The research results demonstrated that while there is a strong demand for health educators in healthcare settings, the lack of organizational support and advanced educational activities are the key factors that have adversely affected the effectiveness of health educators. Due to personal and professional constraints, the researcher was only able to interview ten participants. More research may be needed to generalize the results of this study. It is hoped that this study will provide a knowledge base for health education research in the areas of educator roles, facilitators and challenges.
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Book Reviews by Miriam Kuttikat
Refereed Journal Articles by Miriam Kuttikat