Dewi
Dewi is a fifth-year student majoring in Sociology with a certificate in Climate Studies and Action.
Her honours thesis explores the complex lived realities of migrant workers in Whistler, BC, examining how labour, housing, and immigration policies shape everyday life in a tourism-driven community. Through her research, she aims to highlight both the vibrancy of Whistler’s community and the structural challenges that continue to shape it.
Outside of the classroom, Dewi enjoys snowboarding and volunteering on local issues. She is deeply passionate about engaging in local politics and working towards a better future for her community.
Below the Snow Line: An Exploratory Study on Immigrant Labour and Housing in Whistler
Ski resort towns like Whistler rely on seasonal migrant labour, yet workers’ experiences are shaped by restrictive immigration pathways and an acute housing crisis. This study examines how seasonal labour and housing conditions affect migrant workers’ economic security, focusing on how immigration pathways can shape job mobility, housing access, and vulnerability. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with migrant workers and local experts, the study finds that unstable work, seasonality, housing scarcity, and employer-tied housing heighten precarity. These findings highlight the need for policies that better integrate housing, immigration, and labour in seasonal tourism economies.
How did you become interested in this topic? Why did you choose it for your thesis?
I have had the immense privilege of growing up in Whistler, a place that is incredibly beautiful and full of artists, innovators, families, and travellers. The community and surrounding nature are truly special. At the same time, there are very serious issues in Whistler, particularly around housing and labour precarity, that shape the everyday lives of many people who live and work there.
I chose this topic because I wanted to explore that tension. While Whistler is often celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant community, those narratives can sometimes overshadow the difficult living conditions that many workers face.
Can you summarize your project and its main findings for us?
My research explores immigrant labour and housing precarity in Whistler, BC. Using semi-structured interviews with migrant workers and local experts, I examine how seasonal work, immigration pathways, and housing conditions shape people’s experiences living and working in the resort town.
Across the interviews, three key themes emerged: labour instability, significant housing precarity, and a vibrant social culture that continues to attract and retain people in Whistler despite these challenges. Together, these findings highlight the tension between the opportunities and lifestyle the town offers and the structural difficulties many workers face in trying to build stable lives there.
Why did you choose to study Sociology as a major? Why did you decide to apply to the honours program?
I first became interested in sociology in my first year when I took SOCI 102 through the CAP program with Professor Kerry Greer. Her class really inspired me and was what initially drew me to the discipline. Sociology stood out to me because it breaks down complex social issues using systematic frameworks, helping explain how larger structures shape people’s everyday lives.
I had always my sights set on honours, but when it came time to apply to the honours program I felt really wary. I worried that I did not have the analytical or research skills to do the project justice, and I felt insecure about building research around my own lived experience. Ultimately, Professor Greer encouraged me to recognize my potential and gave me confidence to turn my own lived experience into meaningful research. I am infinitely grateful for her influence on my academic career and I will continue to cherish it for many years to come.
What have you learned during your research that has surprised you the most?
What surprised me most during my research is how strongly people want to live in Whistler! Despite the housing precarity and labour instability many workers face, every person I interviewed spoke about falling in love with the natural beauty and the “live in the moment” culture that exists there. Even when conditions are difficult, that sense of lifestyle and community continues to draw people in and keep them there.
Do you have any advice for other prospective Sociology honours students? What are your biggest takeaways from this research journey?
Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely terrified walking into my honours seminar. You’re suddenly in a room with students who are at the top of your class, which can feel very intimidating. But I quickly realized that everyone was incredibly supportive, and we were all just doing our best and figuring things out together. My biggest takeaway is that the process is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Writing my honours thesis has been the most fulfilling part of my undergraduate experience, and I would absolutely encourage students who are curious about research to pursue it!
