Who welcomes whom? the strategic practices of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the context of immigration in Portugal
Abstract
In the context of immigration and refuge in Portugal, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in supporting and integrating displaced individuals. Drawing on Michel de Certeau’s works, this study aimed to investigate the strategic practices adopted by these entities in providing services and support to immigrants and refugees. From an ethnographic perspective, the methodological approach included seventeen observations of activities promoted by CSOs, six interviews with volunteers, researchers in the field, and organization staff, as well as an analysis of institutional documents. We identified the following strategies: centralizing assistance to maintain resources and funding; using or rejecting religion to legitimize actions and gain community support; legal advocacy to influence public policies and position themselves as agents of political change; and promoting social integration to facilitate immigrants' active participation in the local community and reduce tensions. Together, these findings demonstrate how CSOs establish and maintain power relations within society beyond tactical approaches, revealing how they navigate institutional and social challenges while aiming to maximize their impact through strategic actions.
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