Immigrant mothers between social isolation and informal network. A pedagogical reflection on social support in migration from the life-stories of women of Arab-Muslim origin in Milan

Abstract

Families with an immigrant background are often described in the literature as vulnerable; at the same time, migration can turn out to be a familiar experience characterized by creative potentials, perhaps unexpected resources that can be relied upon to cope with critical issues and daily life in the new context. Adopting this twofold perspective, we will explore the issue of informal social support available to immigrant families, referring in particular to insights from an ethnographic research with mothers of Arab-Muslim origin living in Milan (Italy). Social support network appears quite limited, although there are less visible but equally important forms of support. Focusing on the experiences of social isolation, the relationship with the partner, the contacts with fellow countrymen/women and locals, we will highlight both the critical issues and the potentials. Based on these aspects, it will be possible to give some interesting indications for the implementation of pedagogical initiatives to support parenthood culturally sensitive and capable of enhancing the existing resources.