This paper explores the issue of creation of migrant networks in different contexts along the Eastern Mediterranean route and the Balkans. Drawing on 27 qualitative interviews and ethnographic fieldwork, it uncovers the information about migration journeys and the ways how social capital is transferred among migrants. The paper sheds light on the role of social networks, their influence on strategies, behaviour patterns and resource allocation during migration. The findings underscore different benefits of using migrant networks, highlighting their role in providing crucial support as well as increasing safety and supporting migrants' well‐being. Moreover, the shared identity forged through these networks enhances migrants' resilience, empowering migrants to navigate challenges more effectively. These empirical findings challenge the narratives of migration being individualistic and contribute to the literature on creation, dynamics, and benefits of networks of irregular transit migration, highlighting the differences from other migrant networks.

中文翻译：

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“我在他们身上找到了一切”：移民网络和社会资本的形成


本文探讨了在东地中海航线和巴尔干地区不同背景下建立移民网络的问题。它利用 27 次定性访谈和民族志实地考察，揭示了有关移民旅程的信息以及社会资本在移民之间转移的方式。该论文阐明了社交网络的作用及其对移民过程中的策略、行为模式和资源分配的影响。研究结果强调了使用移民网络的不同好处，强调了它们在提供关键支持以及提高安全和支持移民福祉方面的作用。此外，通过这些网络形成的共同身份增强了移民的适应能力，使移民能够更有效地应对挑战。这些实证研究结果挑战了个人主义移民的叙述，并为非正规过境移民网络的创建、动态和效益的文献做出了贡献，突出了与其他移民网络的差异。