Social Capital and Migration: A Comparative Sociological Research on Migrants in Italy and Turkey

Abstract

This research study aims to analyse and compare the level of social capital among Albanian emigrants in Italy and Turkey, as it has not been researched in sociological academic literature as a comparative field study, which increases the importance of the study. The social capital of emigrants in Italy and Turkey has been measured in terms of socio-cultural elements and the measurement of the level of satisfaction in their social lives, to compare the sample population differences. The sample population has been chosen randomly, but based on the criteria that have emigrated between 1990 and 2000, as the primary emigrants from the post-communist waves of emigration, which are the most significant emigration waves in Albanian history, and have a similar profile as emigrants (an important aspect for the comparative study in emigration). The research hypothesis focuses on the statement that the level of social capital, regarding the socio-cultural elements and adaptation with the social life, the level of satisfaction, the statements of how they feel, the rights of emigrants in Italy, and Turkey, are similar to each other, because of the ‘Culturalist Pluralist Model’ of emigrants, inclusive of both hosted countries. To guarantee a sociological analysis on social capital (the elements of its fragmentation) of emigrants, it was necessary to use quantitative research, among Albanian emigrants in Italy (n=100) and in Turkey (n=100). Data analysed by Statistical program IMB SPSS 27, by different statistical approaches such as descriptive, frequency, cross-tabulation, t-test, independent samples t-test and Chi-Square. An analytical approach to the theories matches an analytical analysis of findings. This is reflected in the main hypothesis that the levels of social capital regarding socio-cultural elements and adaptation to social life, satisfaction, statements about how they feel, and the rights of emigrants in Italy and Turkey are similar. Data findings show that the ‘Cultural Pluralist Model’ operate during the emigration and integration process of Albanian emigrants in Italy and Turkey.

Received: 20 February 2026  │  Accepted: 10 June 2026  │  Published: 23 July 2026