#1 Source Document Analysis Worksheet
Montgomery, Randall J. | Autumn 1996 | |||
Author’s name (last, first) | Publication date | |||
Components of Refugee Adaptation | ||||
Title | ||||
International Migration Review | Vol. 30, No. 3, Pgs. 679-702 | |||
Book series OR Journal | Location and publisher OR volume, issue, pages | |||
- What is the source’s stated purpose (the argument or thesis)?
- What evidence does the auth
The author uses tables to show the results of his testing and interviews. He then explains the findings on a step by step basis, breaking down each variable that he believes contributed to the results. The organization of the paper is founded around the feedback he has received from the research, all analysis is then based on the findings.
- Who is the audience? What does the auth
The audience is the host nations to which the refugees flee. Policymakers, sociologists, NGOs, and those trying to assist refugees are the main target of this paper. The author does not assume the audience knows what he is trying to do. He explains each variable of his analysis, the methods used, and how the assumptions are made. The author does assume that the audience knows the definition of refugee.
4. Describe the author ’s methods (i.e. how does the author know what he or she knows)? In your opinion were they appropriate why or why not?
The author used a number of interviews to compile his data. The interviewing style was unique, and was gathered from a number of different locations which rotated every few days. This technique was used in the attempt to see general trends over his 50 mile radius. In addition, the author tests a number of refugees on basic skills and charts their scores/progress. The data is qualitative and quantitative. I think the methods were a good idea. He wanted to get a broad view of the region, but use individual feedback as well, and the rotating interviewing was a clever way for the author to achieve that goal.
- To what other sources (theorist, researchers, artists) does the auth
Wong Woon – different types of sponsors lead to different types of outcomes
Geiger – advocates the “sink or swim” immersion into new culture
Chan & Lam – the effect of age on adaptability and competence in new culture.
Boyd – argues that female immigrants are worse off than male immigrants
Richmond – positive correlation between education and economic adaptation
Etc…
- What are the connections between this source and your project? How useful
This study was great because it helped me to realize that it will be difficult to use host families as causation if I don’t acknowledge other variables. Montgomery is trying to understand how societies can assist in the assimilation process, and I’d like to understand how host families assist in that process. My approach is going to attempt to link host families as a way to increase the effectiveness of assimilation, this is another variable to add to the pot.
#2 Source Document Analysis Worksheet
Rose, Peter I. | March 1993 | |||
Author’s name (last, first) | Publication date | |||
Tempest-Tost: Exile, Ethnicity, and the Politics of Rescue | ||||
Title | ||||
Sociological Forum | Vol. 8 pg. 5-24 | |||
Book series OR Journal | Location and publisher OR volume, issue, pages | |||
- What is the source’s stated purpose (the argument or thesis)?
The author’s first objective is to define the word refugee. He explains that refugees are those who are forced from their homes, therefore most refugees suffer from loneliness and estrangement. Next, the author argues that assistance provided to refugees is often biased due to factors such as: financial strains, religious affiliation, political ramifications, ethnicity and fear of the strangers.
- What evidence does the auth
Peter Rose draws most of his argument from historical evidence and by quoting refugee specialists. He analyzes the US policies towards early Irish refugees, the Japanese, and even a Haitian group. Rose points out changes made to US refugee policies throughout the years, he then uses that as evidence that the system is now trying to fix past prejudices.
- Who is the audience? What does the auth
The audience is primarily policymakers and sociologists. However, he is also trying to reach the general public in an attempt to make the audience more aware of the refugee plight. Rose does not assume that the audience already knows what a refugee is, therefore he defines the word. The author also brings forth a number of past refugee policies, and experience, to educate the reader.
- Describe the auth
The research is mostly qualitative, but contains some quantitative statistics. Through extensive historical studies, the author has become knowledgeable about the subject matter. He uses well known quotes from experts, and statistics provided by other organizations. I think the author does a good job of uses historical data and wonderful citations; however this paper doesn’t include any personal interviews from present refugees. I feel the paper would be stronger if it wasn’t all about the historical, or expert, data. I want to know what a real life refugee is thinking today.
- To what other sources (theorist, researchers, artists) does the auth
Elie Wiesel – the definition of refuge versus refugee
Julia Taft – Admittance of Jewish Russian refugees versus Jewish Germany. Who qualifies?
Edward B. Marks (Chairman of US committee for Refugees) – on discrimination toward Haitian refugees.
Bruce Grant (Aussie Journalist) – unwanted nature of refugees
Etc…
- What are the connections between this source and your project? How useful
This journal talks a lot about discrimination towards refugees, especially as they enter foreign territory. My project is about the role of host families and their ability to assist in refugee assimilation. I’m assuming that the host families are much less biased, and better suited to help refugees make well established connections. To accurately establish my point, I need to understand different perspectives/approaches to refugee assimilation (basically, I’m trying to “prove the contraries”).
Annotated Sources
