Borshch Diaries: Exploring Ukrainian Women's Accounts of Belonging on Gotland

Abstract: This research is about Ukrainian women who have been displaced by the russian invasion and are now living on Gotland. The primary objective of this study was to create a platform where they could express their experiences, thoughts, and emotions. We intended to value their voices and were committed to maintaining a human-centered and open approach in our research, prioritizing their authentic narratives over theoretical considerations.  In this exploratory study, we discovered the power of cooking and sharing food to foster connections and intimate conversations. Inspired by feminist scholar Heldke (1988), we recognized the undervalued significance of cooking in philosophical discourses and the need for a more inclusive way of thinking about knowledge. Employing cooking as inquiry as a research method allowed for a holistic exploration of personal experiences with new cultures. With Borshch as our chosen meal, we found that its traditional slow-cooking process created a safe and familiar space for meaningful conversations.  By applying Allen et al. (2021) Integrative Framework for Belonging, we sought to shed light on narratives that arise from the accounts of Ukrainian women displaced by the russian invasion. We discovered that our contributors' experiences extended beyond the boundaries of the framework. Our findings explored various narratives – from struggling to belong to reclaiming belonging, including living through war, liminality, keeping children safe, competencies, opportunities, motivations, and perceptions to belong. Through this exploration, we gained insights into their complex narratives and the dynamic nature of belonging.