REFLECTIONS ON THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOUS COMPONENTS ON IMMIGRANTS' ASSOCIATIONISM

The text reflects on the importance (real and symbolic) religious component in the birth and consolidation of the associations of immigrants from the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis focuses exclusively on the Islamic religion, as is most common in people from this source. The field work was developed in three Autonomous Communities: Catalonia, Community Valencia and Navarra, between 2009 and 2010. Research shows, among others, shared religious beliefs of the members of the association are important (in some cases decisive) to understand both the birth of the partnership, including joint and internal cohesion. As will be seen also throughout the text, the religious component is also useful to understand the relations that these associations together, with those considered similar and the different public administrations. Adapted from the source document.