Reconstructing social networks : The Importance of friends and family in the acculturation of unaccompanied minors

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to explore how social network variables and social skills influence acculturation in a group of immigrants who came to Norway as unaccompanied minor asylum seekers. Acculturation, as measured by ethnic and host culture competence, is seen as a resource for the individual, and a necessity in order to be successful and have a sense of belonging in a given culture. Sixty-two youth who came to Norway as unaccompanied minor asylum seekers (UMAs) between the years 2000-2006 were recruited from 10 municipalities in Norway. The participants completed the questionnaire in group sessions in their local communities. In accordance with assumptions, analyses revealed relatively strong relationships between culture competence, social network variables and social skills. The study confirmed prior findings of an association between ethnic culture competence and relationships with peers of the same ethnical background. In contrast, the finding that the acquisition of host culture competence was dependent on number of Norwegian friends and social support from family abroad contradicted earlier findings. Social skills significantly predicted both ethnic and host culture competence. The results indicate that social skills are an important factor in acculturation, and that social networks may be of varying importance for different groups of immigrants in the acquisition of culture competence. Future studies should include this approach in longitudinal studies with larger samples to test whether the findings can be confirmed.