A sociological study of Pakistanis in a Northern town in England. Sponsorship and patronage in the formation of social networks and the role of ethnicity in the community.

Abstract

This thesis deals with the role of sponsorship and patronage in the process of migration and in the formation of Biraderi based relationships and various sociological questions posed in the local context within which ethnicity is a defining element. For example, it demonstrates how far Rochdale Pakistanis as an ethnic group are maintaining their culture in Britain; in particular, how kinship and friendship networks determine the dominant pattern of social interaction among Pakistanis. Further, it deals with the extent to which these networks help and facilitate the immigration and settlement of Pakistanis in this country and result in their "incapsulation" within the wider society. The analysis of these issues was. conducted at different levels: at the individual (case studies) and interactional level, at the social situations and community level and at the level of the wider society's institutions and structures. This included a consideration of the activities of the local Pakistani community in terms of their kinship networks, their economic"activites political participation, religious institutions, community leadership and ethnic organisations. It also includes an analysis of the actors in these different fields, highlighting each area of activity that led to the incapsulation of Pakistanis. It was found that the Pakistani community tends to be mobilized on ethnic lines. This mobilization, it seems, reinforces their ethnic identity and results in their unity, especially when threatened by hostile "out-groups". I The analysis strongly suggests that the whole complex of ethnic institutions manifests the Pakistani community's wish to express and, at the same time, perpetuate their traditional values, beliefs and culture, although this varies to some extent according to occupational background, educational level and generational differences.