Social Networks, Belonging and Active Citizenship among Migrant Youth in Australia

This project will focus on youth from three Australian migrant communities at the centre of recent debates about migrant integration, intercultural conflict and social cohesion. It will investigate the role of formal and informal networks in creating among migrant youth a sense of belonging to the mainstream society. The project redresses a critical gap in popular and official understandings of the social fabric of Austrlia and will provide benchmark data for improved government and community services in the area of migrant youth. It will examine and assess the role of social networks in informing young people's sense of belonging and active participation in the community of citizens.