Social Networks, Social Support and Social Capital: The Experiences of Recent Polish Migrants in London

Abstract

There is growing interest in the role of migrants' social networks as sources of social capital. Networks are, however, often conceptualized rather loosely and insufficient attention has been paid to how migrants access existing networks or establish new ties in the `host' society.The assumption that migrants are able to access dense networks within close-knit local communities simplifies the experiences of newly arrived migrants, underestimating difficulties they may face in accessing support. Exploring the work of Putnam, as well as Coleman and Bourdieu, we critically engage with the conceptualization of bonding and bridging social capital, and the relationship between them, through an exploration of Polish migrants' networking skills and strategies. In examining the different types and levels of support derived through social ties, this article contributes to understandings of social networking by arguing for a greater differentiation and specification of networks both vertically and horizontally, but also spatially and temporally.

Dreams deferred: Contextualizing the health and psychosocial needs of undocumented Asian and Pacific Islander young adults in Northern California

“…For example, new immigrants settling in long-established and strong networks integrate into US more fluidly than poorly developed networks (Aguilera and Massey, 2003). Strong social networks provide migrants with emotional support and resources (Ryan et al, 2008). Results from this study suggest fragmented social networks within the API undocumented community.…”

Migrant networks, language learning and tourism employment

“…Such research has grown as global flows of people have intensified, and as interaction between migrants is increasingly facilitated by developments in technology. However, as Ryan, Sales, Tilki & Siara (2008) argue, insufficient attention has been given to examining the different types of networks that exist, or how migrants access existing networks and establish new ties.…”

“…In response to these gaps in knowledge, Ryan et al (2008) examined how migrants used different networks, involving strong and weak ties (Granovetter, 1983), to socialise, access employment opportunities and emotional support as well as to learn English. Their work shows how certain networks, particularly those involving others from the same national and ethnic groups can help in specific ways, for example, in settling into an area.…”

“…This is partly as migrants have fewer incentives to develop linguistic competencies, but also because they have fewer opportunities for interaction (Kim, 2001). As several studies have demonstrated, limited language skills force migrant workers into roles that reinforce immobility and offer fewer opportunities to interact with 1 1 customers or other nationals, which might help to develop their language skills (see Adler & Adler, 1999;McDowell, 2009;Ryan et al, 2008). In the tourism sector, research on migrants' involvement in networks has largely concentrated on accessing employment (Devine, Baum, Hearns, & Devine, 2007a, 2007bMatthews & Ruhs, 2007McDowell, Batnitzky & Dyer, 2007.…”

“…However, as we argue, networks within tourism employment are also a significant learning resource. Ryan et al (2008) stress that social networks should be seen to operate across different time scales and spaces, both physical and virtual. Recent research has demonstrated the importance of the internet in the maintenance of networks and in information transactions (Garapich & Osipovic, 2007;Hiller & Franz, 2004;White & Ryan, 2008).…”