The Colombian migration to South Florida: the effect of social capital on the formation of immigrant communities
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Major/Program
Latin American and Caribbean Studies
First Advisor's Name
Anthony P. Maingot
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Chair
Second Advisor's Name
Eduardo A. Gamarra
Third Advisor's Name
Mike W. Collier
Date of Defense
11-25-2002
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine formal and informal networks within the South Florida Colombian community. The qualitative, ethnographic study used research from personal interviews, focus groups, and observations, placed within a theoretical framework based predominantly on Putnam’s conceptualization of social capital, as well as previous research on immigrant and Colombian communities. The resulting analysis focused on Colombian immigrant solidarity and social capital in South Florida, examining the role of the context of reception and the effects of social structures on levels of trust and reciprocity.
The results showed that a non-receptive immigration policy, socio-economic differentiation in migration waves, and spatial fragmentation within the receiving community, hinder community-building. There were incipient signs of civic engagement, yet Colombian leadership as well as individual Colombians perceived that the community lacked solidarity. Both formal and informal networks are best characterized as fragmented and guided by pre-existing social structures. The findings showed that a unique context of arrival and low levels of social capital have challenged Colombian immigrants’ ability to create the type of community cohesion that would facilitate their transition to life in South Florida.
Identifier
FI14052595
Recommended Citation
Casey, Cristyn, "The Colombian migration to South Florida: the effect of social capital on the formation of immigrant communities" (2002). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2023.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2023
Rights Statement
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).