Sociologický časopis / Czech Sociological Review

How transnational migrants integrate: The case of Moldovans living in Czechia and Italy

The aim of this work was to ascertain whether the social, cultural or economic dimensions of integration into a receiving society can contribute to intensifying or weakening transnational ties with the country of origin. This work was based on the analysis of unique data gathered via a questionnaire survey of 409 Moldovan migrants living in Italy and Czechia who had been there for more than one year. Transnational and integration indices were constructed in order to investigate the relationships among selected characteristics of the respondents. It was determined that greater socio-cultural integration was accompanied by weaker transnational practices, where key roles were played by the length of stay and age upon arrival. This was found to be valid for Moldovans in both countries, although there was a slightly more positive relationship between ‘Italian Moldovans’ economic integration and transnationalism, suggesting that economic resources facilitate the maintenance and development of cross-border networks.

Keywords: transnationalism, integration, Moldovans, Italy, Czechia

Received: June 17, 2020; Revised: June 17, 2020; Accepted: June 17, 2020; Prepublished online: November 12, 2020