Migration and sociodemographic factors associated with sense of place attitudes among migrants of African background in Northern and Western Netherlands

Abstract

This article investigates migration and sociodemographic factors associated with attitudes toward specific geographic settings (place attachment [PA], place identity, place dependence [PD]) in a cross-sectional data (N = 175) of sub-Saharan African residents in the Northern Netherlands and the Western Netherlands. Overall, it was found that scores of PA and PD were stronger in long-term African residents (more than 5 years) than among short-term residents (less than 5 years). The region of residence was positively related to PD, with participants in western Netherlands having stronger PD compared to those in the northern region. Language proficiency was inversely associated with PD among participants with a little knowledge of Dutch compared to those who could speak Dutch fluently. Older African residents (aged 46-55 years) were more likely to develop PA and PD than their younger counterparts (aged 18-25 years). PA scores were significantly lower for participants with a tertiary education background compared to those with a high school education or less educational attainment. PD scores were lower in females than males, and participants from Western Africa had stronger levels of PD compared to those from Central Africa. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Prospects for the Development of Educational Migration in the Russian Federation

“…(2019), "migration and socio-demographic factors associated with the attitude to specific geographical conditions (attachment to a place, the identity of a place, dependence on a place)". As a result of their research, scientists came to the conclusion that the success of educational migration is largely dependent on knowledge of the language [5].…”

Investigating the role of residential migration history on the relationship between attachment and sense of belonging: A SEM approach

“…Moreover, a sense of community (SoC) has been found to have a buffering effect on life satisfaction of migrants in Spain when compared to locals (Hombrados‐Mendieta et al, 2013 ), indicative that higher SoC leads to higher well‐being among both migrants and locals. Counted et al ( 2018 ) investigated migration and demographic variables of African migrants in the Netherlands, and their sense of place (feeling of belonging to a place). Depending on their engagement with their new community, level of education, and knowledge of the local language, they felt more or less connected.…”