Social Relationships among Immigrants in the San Francisco Bay Area

• In Event: 20862 - Section on International Migration Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 4: Migration and Social Capital

Abstract

This paper investigates how recent immigrants build social capital in the United States for settlement and incorporation under the declining involvement in immigrant churches. Sociological studies have emphasized the value of social capital in improved outcomes such as subjective health (e.g., happiness), employment, and economic mobility (Carpiano 2006; Granovetter 1973). Historically, immigrant churches have played a significant role as sources of social capital for newcomers in the U.S. However, religious involvement among both newcomers and Americans, in general, has significantly declined. This raises a question: With the diminished role immigrant churches plays these days, how do recent immigrants find resources and information? What has replaced the role of religion in assisting immigrant settlement and incorporation? Using data from in-depth interviews with young immigrants aged between 25 and 39 who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, this paper highlights the immigrants’ experiences of settling in and building social relationships and whether and how they develop a sense of belonging in the region.

Author

• Soo-Yeon Yoon, Sonoma State University