CHANGING GEOGRAPHY, RETAINING THE MENTALITY: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INTEGRATION OF POST-SOVIET IMMIGRANTS IN HUNGARY AND AUSTRIA

Abstract

The article explores the relationship between social and economic aspects of
the integration of Soviet immigrants in Hungary and Austria. Relying on the
analysis of narratives collected through digital ethnography, the article
describes paths of integration of former Soviet citizens in Hungary and Austria.
The article reveals that Russian-speaking communities usually provide the first
instance of social integration. They remain a major channel for economic
integration via entrepreneurship for many immigrants. Along with these
findings, the article develops a concept of a culture-based immigrant
community – as opposed to an ethnic one – contributing in this way also to the
literature on migrations.
KEYWORDS: Social and economic integration, post-Soviet immigrants and
communities, Hungary, Austria, culture-based immigrant communities