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Belonging x Work x Job Market

Writer's picture: Time JanainasTime Janainas

Perspectiva invites the researcher Mariana Sperini de Lima to kick off 2025, by sharing with us her analysis of the relationship between belonging and the labor market in Berlin for immigrant women.



In this article, Mariana Sperini de Lima, who earned a master's degree in Intercultural Conflict Management from Alice-Salomon Hochschule in 2023, and is a member of the Janainas Study Group, our dear Afelia, shares powerful insights on the relation between social capital and the integration of Brazilian women into the German labor market — part of her field research in the (re)descobrir program of Janainas e.V.


Janainas e.V.
Janainas e.V.

Beginnings: The Brazilian community in Berlin and the German job market

According to the 2023 Report on "Brazilian Communities Abroad" by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 65,400 Brazilians are registered at the Brazilian consulate in Berlin. (1) In 2020, this number was around 45,000 (2) and, as we can imagine, it may be even higher if we include Brazilians who are not registered.


Berlin is currently a startup hub with increasing job opportunities in technology, a sector dominated by a male workforce. In fact, what we observe is that, in many cases, when considering heterosexual relationships, it is the male partner who typically receives a job offer in the city, prompting the transatlantic move.


This phenomenon/migratory route explains why at least part of the Brazilian women’s community in Berlin lacks a social network directly linked to their professional life.

Here, it is important to highlight that there are many reasons why Brazilian women migrate, with moving with their partner being one of them. However, this factor was chosen as the focus of the research.



Social Capital

For this research, the general idea of social capital is based on the value added by a person's social connections, which can provide access to resources. However, there is no single definition or measurement methodology for the concept, which is widely used in research within the social sciences. (4)


These resources can be at an individual level, such as offering a cup of sugar to a neighbor when they need it, or at community level, where information and resources are shared through a sense of community (5).


According to different authors, the attributes of social capital are trust, reciprocity, community values, social networks, and participation (4, 5).



On an individual level, social capital is related to personal connections and how these connections are shaped: they are associated with social support and the sharing of positive feelings with those around you, which positively impacts more general issues (5).

In social and or support networks, a relationship can be defined as a bond, which can be strong or weak. The strength of a relationship is likely influenced by a combination of factors, such as:


  • time spent together,

  • depth of emotional connection,

  • level of trust/shared trust,

  • mutual support exchanged between individuals (6).



Janainas e.V. and its fundamental role in the relation between Social Capital, Gender and Migration


Janainas e.V., which was born from the desire to connect people who identify as women, migrants, is an essential institution for Portuguese-speaking women in Berlin on their migration journey.

With its own methodologies – a topic that will have its own post soon! – connecting body, mind, heart, community, and multidisciplinary approaches, the NGO offers various projects including art, theater, and dance, as well as social, psychological, and career support, particularly for integration into the German job market.


With this offer, Janainas e.V. increases the social capital of Portuguese-speaking women in Berlin,

... and this social capital plays a key role in the integration of immigrant women into the German labor market, providing access to information, resources, and the most essential forms of support and belonging during migration.



Results

As part of the results of this research, see below five fundamental aspects related to the impact Janainas e.V.'s shared social capital, especially for the integration of immigrant women into the German labor market, and down below, the description of each one:

  1. Work

  2. Access to Information and Resources

  3. Overcoming the Language Barrier

  4. Access to Support Networks

  5. Sharing of Care Work



  1. Finding Jobs:

Research indicates that about 50% of immigrants in Germany find jobs through their social networks (7). This highlights the importance of social connections in overcoming the challenges of a job market that often discriminates based on ethnicity (8). Janainas e.V. plays a crucial role in facilitating these connections, creating a network of both strong and weak ties. The organization’s WhatsApp group for participants of the (re)descobrir project, for example, offers a platform to share job opportunities, ask questions about applications, and celebrate achievements. This creates a support network where women can help each other navigate the job market. Additionally, Janainas e.V. connects women to potential employers through partner organizations.


  1. Acessing Information and Resources:

Social capital can help immigrant women access valuable information about the German job market, including job search strategies, qualification recognition processes, and available support services. Janainas e.V. addresses this need by offering workshops on how to navigate the German job market and sharing information about relevant institutions, such as the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, during projects like (re)descobrir.

  1. Overcoming Language Barriers:

Connecting with other Portuguese-speaking women can help immigrant women improve their German language skills and gain confidence in communicating in a professional environment. Research highlights that fluency in the language is crucial for integration into the local job market, and Janainas e.V. facilitates this through programs like the Sprachcafé, which provides a safe space for women to practice German in a relaxed and supportive environment.


  1. Building Social Support and Reducing Isolation:

Strong social connections can provide a sense of belonging and support, which is essential for the well-being and resilience of immigrant women. The sources emphasize that feeling connected to a community can help mitigate the challenges of migration and contribute to a positive sense of identity. As previously mentioned, Janainas e.V. fosters this sense of community through social events, support groups, and workshops that address the emotional aspects of migration.


  1. Navigating Childcare and Family Care Responsibilities:

Social capital can be vital for immigrant women in finding affordable childcare and managing caregiving responsibilities, which can be significant barriers to labor market integration. While research does not directly address this aspect, the importance of informal networks in accessing childcare is recognized (9). Connecting with other mothers through organizations like Janainas e.V. can provide access to information about childcare options and potentially lead to informal caregiving arrangements within the community.



To conclude

Immigrant organizations like Janainas e.V. play a crucial role in building social capital for Portuguese-speaking immigrant women in Berlin. By providing a platform for networking, information sharing, and access to support services, these organizations empower women to overcome the challenges of migration and integrate into the German labor market.



A very warm hug!

Mariana Sperini de Lima


 


Mariana Sperini de Lima has a deep curiosity about human relationships and how we deal with differences. This curiosity led her to pursue a master’s degree in Intercultural Conflict Management at the Alice Salomon Hochschule in Berlin. With over 10 years of experience in the corporate world, she combines expertise, active listening, and engagement to bring meaning to her work and the world around her.


To learn more about the research or to talk to the author, feel free to send an email to Mariana at the following address: marysperini@gmail.com.




See you next time,

Perspectiva


 

References

(4)   Ahn, M.Y. and Davis, H.H. (2020). Sense of belonging as an indicator of social capital. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 40(7/8), pp.627–642. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/ijssp-12-2019-0258.

(5)   Kadushin, C. (2012). Understanding Social Networks. Oxford University Press, pp.162–184.

(6)   Granovetter, M. (1973). The Strength of Weak Ties: A Network Theory Revisited. Sociological Theory, 78(6), p.201. doi:https://doi.org/10.2307/202051.

(7) Lancee, B. (2013). Social capital and labor‐market outcomes for immigrants. The Encyclopedia of Global Human Migration. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444351071.wbeghm493.

(8) Salikutluk, Z., Giesecke, J. and Kroh, M. (2020). 2020 SOEP -The German Socio-Economic Panel at DIW Berlin. DIW Berlin.

(9) Kwon, J. (2023). Skilled Migrants and Their Encounters with Care and Employment Regimes: Childcaring among Highly Skilled Female Migrants from Korea in Germany. Social Sciences, 12(9), p.477. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12090477.




 








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