Desocialization and Resocialization: The Adjustment Process of Immigrants

Abstract

The theoretical framework presented by S. N. Eisenstadt in the Absorption of Immigrants is further tested in this paper. The Author looks at the physical environment and the organizational set-up of Israeli Society in order to derive their significance in the process of integration of newcomers, especially from the viewpoint of personality needs and aspirations. Among the prerequisites to a smooth adjustment there should be in any immigrant-oriented society a period of time during which undue pressure on, and expectations from the immigrants are avoided. In this way immigrants can find their place or build up their new system of roles and their new social identity without strains and psychological conflicts. From this study the key variables for successful adjustment appear to be the economic and political ones, while the role of the primary ethnic group is transitional even if indispensable psychologically during the time of transition from desocialisation to resocialisation.