Technologies in Migration Processes: Mediation in Communication and Social Capital

Authors

  • Mónica Ortiz Cobo Department of Sociology, Faculty of Political Sciences and Sociology, University of Granada Calle Rector López Argüeta s/n, 18001 Granada, Spain
  • Renzo Ismael Jeri Levano Institute for Migration Research, University of Granada Calle Zamora, Parcela 111-112, 18151, Granada, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5965-0257
  • José García Martín Department of Sociology, Faculty of Education, University of Granada Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7401-0613

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2023.2.188.210

Keywords:

social capital, transnational communication, Peruvian migrants, social media, social networks, ICTs

Abstract

Aim. This article presents an ethnographic exploration of technology use among migrants. The main question explored is how migration processes are mediated by communication between migrants and their support network, considering the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

Methods. Multi-situated and virtual ethnography have allowed researchers to access and obtain relevant discourse on the experiences, perceptions, and strategies of migrants in a non-invasive way.

Results. In pre-digital contexts, support networks of friends and family provided sources of information in the development of migration projects. With the spread of technology, Facebook’s virtual communities are a means of facilitating migration strategies. Likewise, ICTs bring migrants and their families closer to the “there”, bolstering their bonding social capital and therefore their emotional well-being. Despite the language barriers, and the stereotypes and prejudices held by native-born residents, virtual social networks allow migrants to strengthen their bridging social capital, facilitating the integration of different Latin American migrant groups in the destination society.

Conclusion. Today, ICTs have transformed migration strategies and expanded bonding social capital, allowing migrants to share common interests with their family setting, despite the distance. Limited interaction between migrants and native-born residents restricts bridging social capital, but the virtual sphere allows the Latin American diaspora to pursue common interests and overcome cultural barriers.

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Author Biographies

  • Mónica Ortiz Cobo, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Political Sciences and Sociology, University of Granada Calle Rector López Argüeta s/n, 18001 Granada, Spain

    PhD with international mention in Sociocultural Anthropology, Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Granada (UGR, Spain). She is a member of the Institute of Migration of the UGR, author of more than 100 scientific publications, including articles and books, chapters, and has been Principal Investigator of several research projects in the field of migration funded by the public administration in the Spanish context, as well as invited researcher in foreign research centers and reviewer in international scientific journals of impact.

  • Renzo Ismael Jeri Levano, Institute for Migration Research, University of Granada Calle Zamora, Parcela 111-112, 18151, Granada, Spain

    Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Master in International relations, PhD student in the doctoral program in Migration Studies at the University of Granada (Spain), author and co-author of book chapters in Q1 Scholarly Publishers Indicators (SPI).

  • José García Martín, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Education, University of Granada Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain

    PhD in Philosophy from the University of Malaga (outstanding cum laude and extraordinary doctorate prize). Professor in the Department of Sociology at University of Granada. He is president of the Sociedad Hispánica de Amigos de Kierkegaard (he has been its promoter and creator) and Director of the Permanent Seminar "Individual and Society in Kierkegaard" at the University of Granada. He is editor, author, and co-author of more than 60 publications, including articles, books, and book chapters. He has collaborated and participated (in some cases as principal investigator) in more than 5 international research projects and educational innovation projects. He is also a member of editorial or scientific boards of several international journals, as well as a guest researcher in foreign research centres.

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Published

2023-09-28

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2023): Journal of Education Culture and Society

Section

TRANSGRESSION

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Copyright (c) 2023 Mónica Ortiz Cobo, Renzo Ismael Jeri Levano, José García Martín

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How to Cite

Ortiz Cobo, M., Jeri Levano, R. I., & García Martín, J. (2023). Technologies in Migration Processes: Mediation in Communication and Social Capital . Journal of Education Culture and Society, 14(2), 188-210. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2023.2.188.210