Thesis advisor: Gustavo Morello / This qualitative study of female English language learners living in the greater Boston area investigates the relationship which exists between social networks, English language learning, and immigrant assimilation. Understanding that social networks are important for immigrant assimilation because of the social capital they provide (Portes and Zhou, 1993), this study aims to understand how immigrant women with limited English proficiency build social networks in the United States, both with immigrants and native-born citizens of the United States. Data analysis shows that English language learning plays an pivotal role in the formation of social networks both with other immigrants and with native-born citizens, and that immigrant networks are ultimately more beneficial because they are more accessible. As immigration policies in the United States continue to change, it is important to study the changing needs and experiences of immigrants. There is a need for the greater Boston area to provide more spaces for interaction between immigrants and Americans to facilitate the formation of social networks and exchange of social capital between the two groups. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Departmental Honors. / Discipline: Sociology.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BOSTON/oai:dlib.bc.edu:bc-ir_104218 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Cass, Brenna |
| Publisher | Boston College |
| Source Sets | Boston College |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, thesis |
| Format | electronic, application/pdf |
| Rights | Copyright is held by the author, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise noted. |
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