Internal migration and its relationship with social networks

The theme of this study is Internal Migration and its relationship with Social Networks: a case study of young Zambezians in the informal market of Estrela Vermelha in the city of Maputo. In order to understand the phenomenon of migration and its relationship with social networks we used the approach of sociological phenomenology because it proved important for understanding the migratory process of young Zambezians and in particular for understanding the significance of the social networks established by migrants and the communities of the place of arrival that determine the social integration of migrants. The results of the study indicate that social networks ties of kinship friendship and identity of origin or ethnic group to which the migrants belong are social elements of support for the migrant and are manifested throughout the migration process. Furthermore the Estrela Vermelha market in particular is a migratory magnet for young Zambezians looking for better living conditions and social integration.