ROLE DIVISION WITHIN RELATIONSHIPS OF POLISH IMMIGRANTS LIVING IN FRANCE AFTER 2004

Abstract

The paper shows the results of a study conducted on Polish immigrants employed in low-skilled jobs in France following Poland’s accession to the European Union. This paper’s focus is on Polish immigrant workers’ marriages or long-term relationships with compatriots in France and the immigrants’ relations with the French society. The author analyses the division of roles in relationships and the consequences that this division of roles may have on the immigrants’ integration processes into the host society. In order to interpret and to understand experiences of studied Polish immigrants the author has referred to two theoretical frameworks: symbolic interactionism and methodological individualism. In the studied group, the role division regarding everyday activities in relationships is determined by the migrant worker’s proficiency in French, networking skills and his or her availability. The Polish low-skilled workers in France conceive the employment as a migratory success. In consequence, both partners are involved in the professional career development. This is a positive factor in the process of integration with the French society regardless of the immigrant’s gender.