This comparative case study examines the organizational variations in refugee services in Dallas and Amarillo, Texas. Engaging sociological theories of organizations, migration, and the state, this study conceptualizes immigrant-serving organizations as brokers that operate within fields of similar entities that channel resources and services to refugees. Drawing on 60 in-depth interviews and over two hundred hours of participant observation, this study finds two distinct models of resource brokerage. In Dallas, immigrant-serving organizations operated as networked resource brokers, characterized by high levels of collaboration, robust local political support, and community engagement through consistent volunteer labor. These characteristics facilitated the sharing of resources and knowledge, resulting in the establishment of more professionalized services for immigrants and refugees. In contrast, immigrant-serving organizations in Amarillo operated as atomized resource brokers, characterized by fragmented collaborations, inter-organizational competition, limited volunteer labor, and varying levels of political support from local representatives. This atomized brokerage model hindered the efficient allocation of resources and support, leading to fragmented and less comprehensive services for refugees. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the variations within the organizational fields of ISOs in Texas. The comparative analysis of Dallas and Amarillo offers a nuanced understanding of the impact of local context on the provision of refugee services. The research contributes to academic knowledge in the fields of migration, organizations, and the state, and has practical implications for policymakers, ISO workers, advocates, and scholars in Texas and beyond.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc2256854 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Fessenden, Deborah June |
| Contributors | Sobering, Katherine, Barnes, Donna, Kwon, Ronald, Nelson, Andrew |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | Text |
| Rights | Public, Fessenden, Deborah June, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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