From beef brisket to the bayous: a study of how forced migration influences host community culture

Abstract

This study addresses a current gap in literature, namely the impact of forced migration on host community culture following a disaster. Numerous studies have assessed the influence of host community culture on those displaced by disaster. However, to gain a greater understanding of the cultural dimensions of displacement, we need to look at the broader cultural exchange that occurs during long-term displacement from both perspectives. This study uses acculturation theory to guide an examination of forced migration on San Antonio, Texas following Hurricane Katrina. To narrow the scope of research, San Antonio schools that took in displaced students were studied to examine the cultural impacts that may have been experienced by the larger population. Data collection occurred in October 2017 through in-person semi-structured interviews. Supplemental data was collected continuously through archival studies such as city and school records. Data was initially coded through directed content analysis according to established acculturation variables. Subsequent coding cycles were used to identify emerging themes and patterns through inductive coding. Results from this study can be used to inform academics and practitioners in the field of emergency management on the cultural dimensions of forced migration, cultural impacts to host community members following forced migration, and how culture effects the relocation process. Specifically, study results emphasize the significant role of migration motivation and the need to incorporate cultural features of the specific relocated population into the theoretical framework of acculturation.