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Using Narratives to Understand the Adaptation Process of an Ethnic Migrant Group from a Resilience Perspective—a Case Study of Cochin Jews in Israel

Author

Listed:
  • Eitan Shahar

    (Sapir College
    Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)

  • Maya Lavie-Ajayi

    (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
    Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)

Abstract

Research on immigrant adaptation has been criticized for ignoring the perspective of migrant communities, for framing migrants within a binary categorization of insiders/outsiders, and for focusing on the traumatic aspect of migration. This paper addresses these criticisms, by using a narrative approach to study the adaptation processes of one community of Jewish migrants from Cochin in India to Israel, from a resilience perspective. The study incorporates participant observations and life-story interviews with this first generation of migrants. The preeminent theme running through the life stories was that of the reconciliation of contrasts. This theme is demonstrated through identified patterns, in the life of the community, of both integration and separation from the wider society. The findings highlight the significant role played by cultural influences in the adaptation process and the potential that exists for active learning and the building of bridges to the inner world of migrants.

Suggested Citation

  • Eitan Shahar & Maya Lavie-Ajayi, 2018. "Using Narratives to Understand the Adaptation Process of an Ethnic Migrant Group from a Resilience Perspective—a Case Study of Cochin Jews in Israel," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 75-90, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:19:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s12134-017-0529-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-017-0529-x
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    Cited by:

    1. Sulaeman Sulaeman & Muhammad Rijal & Mahdi Malawat & Idrus Sere, 2021. "The Symbolic Communication of the Ukuwala Mahiate Ritual of the Indigenous Peoples of Mamala, Moluccas, Indonesia," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 385-403, June.

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