Ethnic-Group Strength Among Bosnian Refugees in St. Louis, Missouri, and Host Receptivity and Conformity Pressure

Abstract

Leaving by force makes the refugee experience different from the immigrant experience and affects the resettlement process in the new homeland. Using a cross-sectional survey design and a purposive sample of 315 respondents, this study addressed the role of environmental factors in the resettlement process of Bosnian refugees. Four research questions were examined using correlation analysis. Results indicated that, contrary to the common belief that the receptivity and conformity pressure of the host environment are at odds with the interests of a strong ethnic group, a strong ethnic group can facilitate cross-cultural adaptation.

KEYWORDS:

• Cross-cultural adaptation
• Bosnian refugees
• host receptivity
• host conformity pressure
• ethnic group strength