This article examines the mechanisms by which social capital contributes to and facilitates a status of positive well-being and health among immigrants, in particular, among Algerian immigrant women in Quebec. This study investigated the relationships between social capital, the integration process and health. This is a micro-level study, i.e., it explored from an individual perspective as descriptions are based on the personal and direct experiences of Algerian women within their milieu (family, group and district). The analysis indicated that non-recognition of cultural capital (qualifications) led to a weak level of economic capital, whereas the social capital of these women assured their overall survival. Social capital facilitates access to important resources during the integration process and promotes social, economic and cultural inclusion of Algerian immigrant women, having positive effects on their health.
KEYWORDS
Algerian women - Immigration - Social capital - Health - Integration process
Aïcha KADDOUR-REBIHAH (M.sc., D.E.A. in Public Health), is a Research assistant at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and a nurse clinician at the Public Health Department in Montreal (Canada). Her interest focuses on public health problematic and issues. Currently, she is working on a research project identifying the impact of the environment on the respiratory health of asthmatic children in Quebec.
Author Name (Year), “Title”, in: The International Scope Review, Volume Number, Issue Number, TSCF Editions, Brussels.
This article is a revised version of a paper presented at the Third International Conference of The Social Capital Foundation, Buggiba, Republic of Malta, 21-22 September 2008.
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