The weight of social assets: Argentinean migrants in Spain

Abstract

Using diverse conceptualisations of social capital, this paper analyses qualitative data obtained from interviews with Argentine migrants to Spain and returnees. Findings show that, unlike other Latin American migrants to Spain, this group of Argentines approached the migratory experience as a 'nuclear family'. In general, respondents tend to develop diversified networks, avoiding the constraints experienced by the 'typical' migrant. A number of factors including citizenship status, feelings of entitlement, cultural affinity and physical features were crucial for the interviewees' migration experience. In general, most interviewees also pointed out that they tend to have more trust in institutions and the community as a whole in Spain than in Argentina. On the other hand, they also suggest that solidarity and friendship ties were stronger in Argentina than in Spain.