Les usages sociaux du téléphone dans les familles d'origine immigrée

Abstract

This study of social uses of the telephone in immigrant families was conducted in a poor neighbourhood close to Paris, comprising mainly council housing. The analysis of practices related to the telephone has proved to be extremely interesting with regard to the organization of social and family relationships. We note the strengthening of the system of intra-family relationships, of the roles related to gender and generation, and of the role of children as mediators between the family and life outside. Solidarity, both in the family cell and in the extended family, is enhanced by use of the telephone, from both a material and a symbolic point of view.