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Contesting the Nexus between Intermarriage and Integration

Author

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  • Dan Rodríguez-García
  • Miranda J. Lubbers
  • Miguel Solana
  • Verónica de Miguel-Luken

Abstract

This article examines the nexus between intermarriage and sociocultural dimensions of the integration of immigrants in Spain. The data presented draw on ninety-four in-depth interviews conducted with immigrants of seven different origins in exogamous (mixed) and endogamous (same-origin) unions in Catalonia, the region with the highest rate of immigration and ethno-racial diversity in Spain. We apply a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. We find that the relationship between intermarriage and integration is complex and multidirectional: intermarriage has a direct effect on some dimensions of integration (e.g., the expansion and diversification of personal/social networks) but has no relationship (e.g., for identification with the society of destination) or a bidirectional relationship (e.g., for the learning of official languages) for others. Furthermore, we find that the outcomes are context-dependent and may be moderated by factors such as country of origin or gender. In sum, our results suggest a much more nuanced picture of the nexus between intermarriage and integration than has traditionally been theorized.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Rodríguez-García & Miranda J. Lubbers & Miguel Solana & Verónica de Miguel-Luken, 2015. "Contesting the Nexus between Intermarriage and Integration," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 662(1), pages 223-245, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:662:y:2015:i:1:p:223-245
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716215598136
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xin Meng & Robert G. Gregory, 2005. "Intermarriage and the Economic Assimilation of Immigrants," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 23(1), pages 135-176, January.
    2. repec:cai:poeine:pope_802_0239 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Barry Chiswick & Yew Lee & Paul Miller, 2005. "Family matters: the role of the family in immigrants' destination language acquisition," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 18(4), pages 631-647, November.
    4. Furtado Delia & Theodoropoulos Nikolaos, 2010. "Why Does Intermarriage Increase Immigrant Employment? The Role of Networks," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 10(1), pages 1-33, November.
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