COMMUNITY INTEGRATION OF MOROCCAN IMMIGRANTS in Andalusia. Predictive factors and action plan

Coordinator: Manuel García-Ramírez.

Duration: 2006-2009.

Abstract: Community integration is the acculturation strategy with best results in terms of well-being in the process of immigrants’ adjustment to a new context. Furthermore, it increases social cohesion, avoids the development of racist attitudes in the receiving population and promotes symmetrical intergroup relationships. However, immigrants are often involved in asymmetrical relationships that increase the risk of social exclusion and injustice. This is the case of Moroccan immigrants in Andalusia, where they often live irregularly without residence permit, working in precarious employment sectors and living in sub-standard housing without running water, electricity, drains, etc. European social policies and diverse areas of social and community research are trying to develop explanatory conceptual models, methodological tools and intervention strategies capable of facing this challenge. Taking an ecological-community approach, the main aims of the present study are:

1) To analyze predictive factors of Moroccan immigrants’ integration in the neighbourhoods of Andalusian cities and villages;

2) To suggest research lines oriented to strengthen Moroccan immigrants’ integration through the promotion of community cohesion and symmetrical intergroup relations;

3) To plan, using participative methodology, initiatives and strategies of community actions aimed at improving the coexistence of Moroccans and natives in their neighbourhoods. The research design combines qualitative techniques that allow an in-depth analysis of the dimensions of Moroccans’ community integration in Andalusia from the perspective of involved groups, with the use of quantitative methodology and multilevel analysis techniques that guarantee the ecological validity and predictive power of the study.

More information: http://grupo.us.es/cespyd/CONTENIDOS/PROYECTOS/4.pdf

Funded by:
Spanish Government. Ministry of Education and Science. National R&D&I Research Plan.