Abstract

CANTOR, Guillermo. Class and Nationality Networks: Social Capital and Political Incorporation of Bolivian Migrants in Buenos Aires. Migr. Inter [online]. 2013, vol.7, n.1, pp.197-234. ISSN 2594-0279.

The article examines the formation of social capital and its political implications within the Bolivian community in Buenos Aires. Through the analysis of news stories and in-depth interviews with key informants, the article identifies two organizational networks. The first one is based on the discourse of class solidarity and is aimed at the union of the immigrant workers. The second one is centered on the discourse of national/ethnical solidarity and promotes the unification of the Bolivian community through nationality-based fraternity ties. These networks have coexisted in tension, leading to distinct patterns of political incorporation within the community. Whereas in the first case, the type of inclusion is more proactive, horizontal and open, in the second, the type of political incorporation tends to be reactive, vertical and closed.

Keywords : immigrant organizations; Bolivian immigrants; social capital; garment industry; Buenos Aires.