Análisis de redes sociales de apoyo de las inmigrantes venezolanas radicadas en la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to comprehend the support of the social networks in Venezuelan immigrants that live in Cuenca city at the time of social integration. For this, the research scope was explanatory and it was based on the experience of the participants, as well as on the conditions in which the migration and social integration process are manifested. For this purpose, 12 semi-structured interviews, 2 focal groups and a flow chart were carried out with Venezuelan immigrants, whom at the time of the study, were maintaining psychosocial support processes with the Casa del Migrante and the Give Refugees a Chance Foundation (known as GRACE). The research was based on qualitative information and it was processed through the Atlas. Ti. program. The results indicate that the immigrants form supportive social networks from the existing contacts in the destination city. These networks could be informal primary and formal secondary. Furthermore, the Venezuelan immigrants experience situations of rights violation, xenophobia and gender-based violence (psychological and sexual), in both during the migratory journey and during the process of social integration in the city, especially at workplace. The present research reveals that the social networks make easier the migration and social integration process and constitute a protective factor for the prevention of violence and discrimination situations.