Sírios e libaneses: Redes sociais, coes ão e posição de status

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to understand the process of insertion and location of Syrians and Lebanese in the hierarchical structure of the distribution of prestige and wealth in the host society. The article shows that these immigrants have a standardized occupational insertion, with a strong presence in commerce. This factor gives them economic prestige, since the majority of these immigrants attain the position of an employer. They attain another and greater form of social recognition with the educational achievements of their children, "the doctors." The maintenance of this standardized insertion and social ascension occurs as a result of the strong cohesion of social networks. This cohesion is sustained through contacts and customs (such as language and endogamous marriages) encouraged by the institutions these groups belong to.