Migración venezolana en Cuenca: estudio de caso sobre el proceso de adaptación sociocultural

Abstract

This study focuses on analyzing how the process of sociocultural adaptation of Venezuelan migrants occurs in the city of Cuenca. The research uses a qualitative approach and the methodological design is based on the case study, relevant to consider the opinion of migrants, locals and experts, the main actors who contribute to the collection of information. To obtain the data, the non-participant observation techniques were used, semi-structured interviews with both Venezuelan migrants and local actors, and a discussion group with experts in the subject. Regarding the findings, the process of Sociocultural adaptation that the Venezuelan community is going through, their difficulties and coping strategies were stopped, as well as the perception of the Venezuelan migrant population by the local community was theorized. It was also found that social capital is important when arriving at the destination place because it allows them to feel security and support, and minimizes the feeling of loneliness. This supports the theory put forward by Pierre Bourdieu who mentioned that social capital helps individuals to strengthen their confidence to climb sooner in society and remain relatively stable. This result can contribute to the Cuenca society to understand the situation of the people who migrate from Venezuela, as well as migrants to know the situations they can face and how to deal with them and improve their situation in the place of destination.