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- Title
The Role of Ethno-Cultural Organizations in Immigrant Integration: A Case Study of the Bulgarian Society in Western Canada.
- Authors
JURKOVA, SINELA
- Abstract
A major debate in international migration research is focused around the question of whether immigrants receive benefits from their attachment to ethnic organizations. This study aims to make a contribution to this debate by exploring the nature, goals and functions of an ethno-cultural organization in a Western Canadian city-the Bulgarian Society. Drawing from theoretical concepts regarding ethnic organization as a source of social capital, this research examines the economic, socio-cultural experience and ethnic attachments of members/non-members of an ethnic organization, how they interact with the organization, and their perception of how it affected their integration into Canadian society. Utilizing semi-structured face to face interviews, the results shed light on how immigrants use ethno-cultural organizations to nurture and express their identity and values, gain social acceptance, achieve their personal goals and affect their sense of belonging. The present research also addresses the role and function of small ethnic communities such as Bulgarians in an urban setting. The findings suggest that Bulgarians from recent waves of immigration are experiencing a period of adaptation as members or non-members of the ethnic society. They integrate at all levels in a parallel fashion, being valuable actors on both social and economic stages, however, their sense of ethnic collectivity and organizational belonging is more symbolic and emotional. Members and non-members acknowledge the Society as a source of networking and cultural retention rather than as a main factor for their integration.
- Subjects
WESTERN Canada; CANADA; BULGARIANS; IMMIGRANTS; ETHNIC associations; SOCIAL capital; ASSIMILATION of immigrants; SOCIAL networks; SOCIETIES; SOCIAL history
- Publication
Canadian Ethnic Studies, 2014, Vol 46, Issue 1, p23
- ISSN
0008-3496
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1353/ces.2014.0005