The Dynamics of Social Networks Among Muslim Students in Kraków: Experiences of Cultural Interaction and Integration

Maria Stojkow; Ahmet Yasuntimur

doi:10.18778/1733-8069.21.3.04

Authors

Maria Stojkow AGH University of Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8410-3730
Ahmet Yasuntimur İnönü University, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0924-8021

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8069.21.3.04

Keywords:

migration, social networks among foreigners, social integration, Muslim students

Abstract

Migration profoundly shapes the social, cultural, and psychological experiences of individuals. As a distinct migrant group, Muslim students face unique challenges and opportunities in forming social networks in host societies. This study examined how the social relationships developed by Muslim students in Kraków influence their adaptation and sense of belonging. Adopting a phenomenological approach, data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. The participants included 14 Muslim students (10 male, 4 female). Findings revealed two interrelated themes: Social Environment and Isolation, reflecting limited interaction with the host society and reliance on culturally-similar networks; and Personal Resilience and Integration Efforts, highlighting the students’ individual strategies to build belonging despite structural barriers. The study concludes that Muslim students experience partial integration, depending largely on familiar networks, while actively navigating social challenges. These insights point to the need for more inclusive practices to support integration in multicultural settings.

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Author Biographies

Maria Stojkow, AGH University of Krakow, Poland

Sociologist, PhD, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Humanities, AGH University of Kraków. Corresponding author. Her research interests lie in the field of the Muslim community in Poland and the cultural determinants of disability, with a particular focus on Islamic societies.

Ahmet Yasuntimur, İnönü University, Turkey

PhD Candidate, İnönü University, Sociology Department. His research interests combine sociology and criminology, focusing on the study of the social determinants of crime and the operation of the justice system. His work often combines empirical analysis with reflection on criminal policy and its effectiveness in different social contexts.

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