Migration as a Factor of Cultural and Sub-cultural Diversity- Case of Korca City

Abstract

: Sociological studies pay special attention to the mechanisms of cultural change and development, as well as the main factors that determine such dynamics. Zyhdi Dervishi (2011) considers cultural diffusion as one of the most influential factors of cultural development. Referring to the sociological literature consulted for this study, it is founded that Albanian culture is described as a mosaic of diverse subcultures, which differ greatly from one another. This sub-cultural diversity is evidenced in all components of cultural system; the docks, customs, manner of speaking, clothing, lifestyle, religious and pagan rituals and ceremonials, art, music, poetry, norms, values, symbols, elements of material culture etc. There are a number of factors that have contributed significantly in shaping the features of Albanian culture and its sub-cultural diversity. One of these factors is migration. It is noticed that migratory movements affect social and cultural development; major changes occur in family relationships, lifestyle, tendency for new cultural values acquisition, etc. This is more evident in rural- urban migration, as well as in international migration phenomenon. New economic resources, new working devices, system of social relationship in host society comprise an important source in transforming people's lives. Over the past twenty years Albanian society has experienced a number of economic, social and cultural changes, caused especially by increasing flows of internal and international migrants. Significant cultural changes are evidenced in social and cultural environment of Korça city, which is characterized by the phenomenon of massive displacement of population from rural areas to the city, as well as migration phenomenon in Greece. Taking into consideration the complexity of migration phenomenon and the consequences it brings in cultural plan, we intend to highlight and examine elements of sub-cultural diversity in Korça city, caused by internal and international migration. This paper draws on a research in Korça city, located in southeast of Albania, 35 km to the Greek border, which reflects a cultural environment where are intertwined trends of the cultural change, caused by migration from rural areas within the city and emigration process to neighboring Greece. In- depth interviews and observation will be used for data collection. Combined analysis of qualitative and quantitative methods will be used for data processing. This enables making comparisons and identifying problems. This paper aims to identify and analyze the impact of migration in sub-cultural diversity and aspects of the coexistence between rural subculture, urban subculture and the one of people having migration experience to Greece.