Balancing out bonding and bridging capital: Social network correlates of multicultural identity configurations among Russian migrants to Canada

ABSTRACT

Compartmentalization (keeping identities separate) and integration (creating a single overarching identity) are two ways in which people can manage their multiple cultural identities. This study examined social network correlates of these two configurations among immigrants from the Former Soviet Union to Canada (N= 137). Drawing on sociological theories, we focused on egocentric network indices reflecting bonding capital – the benefits from being embedded in a community – and bridging capital – the benefits from outward-looking social connections. Further, we considered the differential role of three culturally-defined subnetworks: mainstream, heritage, and third-culture connections. The latter played in critical role in fostering identity integration. Network configurations striking a balance between boosting mainstream density and limiting heritage density seemed to be optimally related to identity integration.

KEYWORDS:

• cultural identity
• social networks
• identity integration
• social capital
• immigrants

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CORRECTION NOTICE

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. A temporary server breakdown occurred while one participant was completing the study. The partial data from that participant was removed from our database. The sample size reported above takes this deletion into account.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fonds de Recherche du Québec-Société et Culture [211460].