The Social Integration of Migrants from Cities to Villages in the Czech Republic and in Austria Cover Image

Sociální integrace přistěhovalců z velkoměsta na vesnici v České republice a v Rakousku
The Social Integration of Migrants from Cities to Villages in the Czech Republic and in Austria

Author(s): Josef Bernard
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Sociologický ústav
Keywords: village; city; social integration; migration; Czech Republic; Austria

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with the topic of migration from cities to villages in the Czech Republic and Austria and the opportunities for the social integration of newcomers. It relates partly to the problems of suburbanisation but is not limited to just migration to suburban villages. The analysis is based on a qualitative study conducted in 2003–2004 using grounded theory, and it examines the subjective viewpoints of the incomers and their assessments of their situation. The author reveals two different patterns of motivation for migration, presents a typology of relationships between the incomers and the village community, and distinguishes three basic ‘orientations’ among the incomers: a village orientation, a city orientation, and an orientation towards self-sufficiency. These specific orientations emerge in the process of mutual interaction between the preferences of the incomers and the integration opportunities offered by particular villages; they are not exclusive and can change over time. The author closes with a summary of the differences between the situation in the Czech Republic and Austria, which may be a result of different structural conditions and different historical backgrounds.

  • Issue Year: 42/2006
  • Issue No: 04
  • Page Range: 741-760
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Czech