Evaluation of the Relational Integration of Immigrants in Mixed Unions Based on an Analysis of their Personal Networks

Since the beginning of the last decade the number of mixed unions in Spain has increased considerably. This study presents some findings that aim to clarify the relationship between mixed unions and social integration. Primary data have been collected through in-depth interviews with information on personal networks. Results regarding network composition and structure suggest a higher presence of Spaniards in the networks of mixed unions, mainly relatives of the native partner, who enter sooner the networks and have more links to other immigrants. However, the role of the Spanish partner is not more central than that of the immigrant partner, nor the emotional proximity to native actors is higher in the case of mixed unions. The analysis of two particular networks suggests diverse and complex processes in the configuration of the relationships knits at destination. Keywords: immigration, mixed unions, social integration, personal networks, mixed methodology.