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Building social capital: a grassroots language program for refugees and politics of integration

Author

Listed:
  • Lika Rodin

    (University of Skövde)

  • Andre Rodin

    (Swedish Migration Board)

Abstract

With the increased migration stimulated by economic transformations and political unrest in different parts of the globe, the issue of cultural and economic integration of newcomers has become pressing for hosting societies. Apart from state-sponsored integration projects, various grassroots initiatives have started to emerge. This study looks at the format and effects of an informal education programme for refugees titled 'Capture the Moment and Learn Something New', organised by a person with a foreign background in a small-sized town in western Sweden. Through qualitative network analysis, we demonstrate ways in which the programme facilitates the development of interconnections within the group of newcomers and formation of a shared identity of a migrant, simultaneously helping acquisition of cultural fluency and social recognition that might improve immigrants? chances in establishing ties with the local ethnic majority. The notion of social capital is employed to explain variations in the range of resources potentially available for the newcomers.

Suggested Citation

  • Lika Rodin & Andre Rodin, 2016. "Building social capital: a grassroots language program for refugees and politics of integration," International Journal of Social Sciences, International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences, vol. 5(3), pages 41-60, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sek:jijoss:v:5:y:2016:i:3:p:41-60
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social networks; co-ethnic and cross-ethnic ties; ideology; civil society;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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