Social Anchoring: Immigrant Identity, Security and Integration Reconnected?

Abstract

The article presents the emergent concept of social anchoring. The proposed concept represents a new theoretical approach to analysing the notions of identity and social integration in contemporary increasingly super-diverse and ‘fluid’ societies. The conceptual framework of anchoring links the issues of identity, security and integration. It enables the limitations of subjectively defined identity to be overcome by allowing the inclusion of objective aspects. It focuses on the role of identity for adaptation and ways in which individuals, especially migrants, establish essential footholds in their lives in a complex and changeable society. The development of this theoretical approach can enable identification of the source(s) of socio-psychological stability which individuals need for societal integration.