Periodic Report Summary - SEGREG-INTEGRATION (Between segregation and social integration: recent immigrants and foreign workers in the USA and in the UK)
The central research aim of this project was to compare processes of, and opportunities for, social integration of immigrant communities in the United States and the United Kingdom. Case studies were carried out in Seattle (WA) and Glasgow and Edinburgh (Scotland). In the outgoing phase we examined the lives of immigrants from the countries of the former Soviet Union and, in particular, attitudes towards their new surroundings and the host country. Our further objective was also to ask local United States (US) citizens about their perceptions of recent immigrants. The project also investigated how the government regulations affected the flow of immigrants. In the return phase we carried out surveys in Glasgow and Edinburgh asking immigrants and long-term residents about their quality of life and their attitudes concerning this issue.
During our research we employed both statistical and empirical methods. We asked altogether 172 people: 91 immigrants and 81 local citizens in the two host countries. We also used in-depth interviewing among immigrants and locals. Additionally we contacted with different associations dealing with immigrants and immigration issues in both countries, we conducted altogether 21 interviews.
We introduce a model of immigration and a model of the integration process of immigrants. Both models represent open systems. In case of migration the model shows the two main poles of the system, the place of departure and destination. Their characteristics and those of the key players within them, as well as the interactions and interrelations between these elements create an ever changing context for migration. The adaptation model is based on two main factors:
1) characteristics and resources of the immigrants (savings, education, social capital, culture, ethnicity, etc); and
2) characteristics and reception of the place of destination (immigration policy and law, level of discrimination, racism, culture, micro-social environment, etc.).
This system is continuously changing, because of the perpetual interactions between its elements and outside coefficients as well. There is no place where the adaptation would occur in exactly the same way at different times. The integration process can also be modulated by different elements from the side of the immigrant and from that of the destination, and not only by the macro issues like immigration policy or resources or characteristics of the émigrés as a race or ethnicity, but also by unpredictable elements like a helpful and unselfish neighbour or a positive attitude on the part of the immigrants toward their new situation. The émigrés' attitude is also an important issue; if it is not positive or strong enough in regard to the move to a new country, they can feel lost and alienated. These circumstances can have significant effects on the individuals' lives, by relieving or exacerbating the difficulties of the period of integration. Americans were more open toward immigration.
During our survey our local American respondents emphasised that they are immigrants themselves. In contrast for a Scottish person an English man or woman is a foreigner. It is positive that the Scottish people think about multiculturalism as a good thing, however, they are also concerned about their perception in the shrinking labour market and the imbalanced social system because of the immigration. There will always be a conflict between new arrivals and locals if the number of émigrés reaches a certain amount at a time and at a place. In some cases it is simply impossible to prepare for receiving these immigrants at every level of the society, but well organised measures can reduce tensions significantly. It is a matter not only of macro political and economic regulations but also of micro political actions, civil society programs and supportive attitude on the part of individuals and communities.
During our research we employed both statistical and empirical methods. We asked altogether 172 people: 91 immigrants and 81 local citizens in the two host countries. We also used in-depth interviewing among immigrants and locals. Additionally we contacted with different associations dealing with immigrants and immigration issues in both countries, we conducted altogether 21 interviews.
We introduce a model of immigration and a model of the integration process of immigrants. Both models represent open systems. In case of migration the model shows the two main poles of the system, the place of departure and destination. Their characteristics and those of the key players within them, as well as the interactions and interrelations between these elements create an ever changing context for migration. The adaptation model is based on two main factors:
1) characteristics and resources of the immigrants (savings, education, social capital, culture, ethnicity, etc); and
2) characteristics and reception of the place of destination (immigration policy and law, level of discrimination, racism, culture, micro-social environment, etc.).
This system is continuously changing, because of the perpetual interactions between its elements and outside coefficients as well. There is no place where the adaptation would occur in exactly the same way at different times. The integration process can also be modulated by different elements from the side of the immigrant and from that of the destination, and not only by the macro issues like immigration policy or resources or characteristics of the émigrés as a race or ethnicity, but also by unpredictable elements like a helpful and unselfish neighbour or a positive attitude on the part of the immigrants toward their new situation. The émigrés' attitude is also an important issue; if it is not positive or strong enough in regard to the move to a new country, they can feel lost and alienated. These circumstances can have significant effects on the individuals' lives, by relieving or exacerbating the difficulties of the period of integration. Americans were more open toward immigration.
During our survey our local American respondents emphasised that they are immigrants themselves. In contrast for a Scottish person an English man or woman is a foreigner. It is positive that the Scottish people think about multiculturalism as a good thing, however, they are also concerned about their perception in the shrinking labour market and the imbalanced social system because of the immigration. There will always be a conflict between new arrivals and locals if the number of émigrés reaches a certain amount at a time and at a place. In some cases it is simply impossible to prepare for receiving these immigrants at every level of the society, but well organised measures can reduce tensions significantly. It is a matter not only of macro political and economic regulations but also of micro political actions, civil society programs and supportive attitude on the part of individuals and communities.