Multifocal Integration and Marginalisation: A Theoretical Model and an Empirical Study on Three Immigrant Groups

Teemu Kemppainen,Hannamaria Kuusio,Shadia Rask,Laura Kemppainen,Pasi Saukkonen

doi:10.1177/0038038520904715

Abstract

Recent sociological discussions have examined the classic theme of social integration from the point of view of belonging and multiple solidarities. As a research topic, migration importantly elucidates these general sociological questions. Literature on migration, integration and transnationalism lacks an encompassing theoretical model, which limits our understanding of complex integration processes. We propose a multifocal model of migrant integration including three key foci of integration: the host society; transnational sphere; and co-ethnic community in the host society. Moreover, the model considers integration in terms of different dimensions. With this model, we define multifocal marginalisation and study Russian, Kurdish and Somali migrants in Finland. We find that the different foci do not compete with each other, but are in a moderate positive relationship. There are clear group differences in integration patterns. Determinants of multifocal marginalisation include Kurdish background, weak Internet skills and older age. Discussion themes include belonging and social change.

Highlights

Recent sociological inquiries draw on theories of belonging in examining the dynamic, complex and multidimensional relationship between the self and society in the context of social change (May, 2011, 2013)
Running multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) for the indicators of host society integration resulted in one dominant indicator (HS), which expressed 64 per cent of the total variation in these indicators
This study proposes a multifocal model of integration to theorise immigrants’ integration in a transnational context

Summary

Introduction

Recent sociological inquiries draw on theories of belonging in examining the dynamic, complex and multidimensional relationship between the self and society in the context of social change (May, 2011, 2013). Besides creating new social networks (Waldinger, 1995; Wessendorf and Phillimore, 2019), migrants’ integration is about identification and creating a new sense of belonging (Krzyżanowski and Wodak, 2008). May (2013: 3) defines belonging as ‘the process of creating a sense of identification with, or connection to, cultures, people, places and material objects’. Belonging can be described as a feeling of ease in social situations or as feeling at home. It resembles Bourdieu’s (1979) ideas of habitus and social fields, according to which a person’s habitus reflects a certain social field and a ‘feel for the game’ in this field (see Brubaker and Cooper, 2000). People can feel a sense of belonging to several ‘fields’ simultaneously and, the concept of belonging acknowledges the possibility of hybrid identities and multiple solidarities (May, 2013)

Methods

Results

Conclusion