Acculturation Strategies among Venezuelan Women in Ecuador: A qualitative approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71112/jyhxvt06Keywords:
acculturation, Venezuelan women, Ecuador, migration, discriminationAbstract
This qualitative study examines the acculturation strategies adopted by Venezuelan migrant and refugee women in Ecuador, specifically in the cities of Quito and Santo Domingo. Drawing on three focus groups and five in-depth interviews, the study identifies predominant patterns of integration and separation, strongly tied to national identity, traditional cuisine, and affective ties to the country of origin. Findings reveal that acculturation is deeply shaped by economic constraints, gender-based tensions, and experiences of discrimination, which vary depending on the regional context. In the Sierra, women reported stronger challenges linked to rigid sociocultural norms and social exclusion, while in the Coastal region, greater cultural closeness and receptivity were perceived. Acculturation is understood as a multifaceted process, shaped by both structural conditions and the subjective and community resources that women mobilize in their daily lives.
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