Theory of segmented assimilation: A comparative study of Nigerian migrants’ integration in Kwazulu Natal Province

Authors

  • Shanta B. Singh, Prof. Dr. University of KwaZulu-Natal Department: Criminology and Forensic Studies, South Africa
  • Kombi Sausi Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Department: Democracy, Governance and Service Delivery (DGSD), South Africa
  • Modimowabarwa Kanyane Human Science research council (HSRC) Department: Democracy, Government and Service Delivery (DGSD)

Keywords:

Segmented assimilation, Nigerian migrants, transnational activities, South Africa’s migration policies

Abstract

This article applies the framework of segmented assimilation which analyzes different patterns of migrant integration to understand variations in transnational activities among Nigerian migrants in Durban. It examines the role of migrant integration in determining the types of cross-border activities migrants pursue and their level of engagement in these activities. Given the monetary and legal resources needed to facilitate certain transnational activities, the article reveals that migrants with greater social and economic mobility in the host country demonstrate a wider range and an increased frequency of transnational behaviours. For instance, Nigerian migrants having legal migration status and occupational mobility demonstrate greater transnational behaviours than those illegally residing in South Africa and employed in low-wage menial jobs. It further, examines how South Africa’s migration policies and the social context of reception affect the integration of migrants in their transnational activities.

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Author Biographies

Shanta B. Singh, Prof. Dr., University of KwaZulu-Natal Department: Criminology and Forensic Studies, South Africa

Assoc. Professor, University of KwaZulu-Natal Department: Criminology and Forensic Studies, South Africa

Kombi Sausi, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Department: Democracy, Governance and Service Delivery (DGSD), South Africa

Researcher, 

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

Department: Democracy, Governance and Service Delivery (DGSD), South Africa

Modimowabarwa Kanyane, Human Science research council (HSRC) Department: Democracy, Government and Service Delivery (DGSD)

Chief Research Specialist, Human Science research council (HSRC)

Department: Democracy, Government and Service Delivery (DGSD)

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Published

2014-01-01

How to Cite

Singh, S. B., Sausi, K., & Kanyane, M. (2014). Theory of segmented assimilation: A comparative study of Nigerian migrants’ integration in Kwazulu Natal Province. Journal of Social Sciences (COES&Amp;RJ-JSS), 3(1), 224–233. Retrieved from https://centreofexcellence.net/index.php/JSS/article/view/jss.2014.3.1.224.233