Networks of sub-Saharan refugees &amp; migrants in Greece

Migration to Europe has largely increased over the last decades, but there has been limited research on the networks of refugees and migrants. This paper examines the networks of sub-Saharan refugees and migrants that reside in Greece. The networks play an important role in every step of their journey; from their country of origin to their trip towards Europe and their daily life in Greece. This work aims to investigate the type of networks sub- Saharan refugees and migrants form and find their common patterns. The ultimate goal is to display the importance of networks and evaluate if the type of networks migrants and refugees develop in Greece matters. This thesis is based on ten original interviews with sub-Saharan refugees and migrants who have lived in Greece for at least four years. The analysis of the interviews provides evidence that migrant networks ease and help both the trip and the integration of migrants and refugees. It is argued that the theory of ‘strength of weak...Show moreMigration to Europe has largely increased over the last decades, but there has been limited research on the networks of refugees and migrants. This paper examines the networks of sub-Saharan refugees and migrants that reside in Greece. The networks play an important role in every step of their journey; from their country of origin to their trip towards Europe and their daily life in Greece. This work aims to investigate the type of networks sub- Saharan refugees and migrants form and find their common patterns. The ultimate goal is to display the importance of networks and evaluate if the type of networks migrants and refugees develop in Greece matters. This thesis is based on ten original interviews with sub-Saharan refugees and migrants who have lived in Greece for at least four years. The analysis of the interviews provides evidence that migrant networks ease and help both the trip and the integration of migrants and refugees. It is argued that the theory of ‘strength of weak ties’ is partially proven as many weak ties tend to develop to strong ties.Show less

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Networks of sub-Saharan refugees & migrants in Greece