Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Sociology
Date of Award
5-2011
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Leslie A. McCallister
Committee Members
Lindsey King, Melissa Schrift
Abstract
In 2000, a small group of refugees from Sudan were sponsored by three local churches in Maryville, Tennessee. The churches worked with the Bridge Organization in order to orchestrate the refugees' departure from Africa to Maryville. At the time of their sponsorship, it was believed that the Sudanese population in Maryville would be self-sufficient within two years of arrival. This study uses one-on-one, open-ended interviews and a paper-pencil questionnaire with the Sudanese population and a focus group with the American sponsors to assess the extent that the Sudanese refugee population in Maryville has become self-sufficient. While individual success depends on multitude of variables, the results indicate that in general, the Sudanese community is still struggling with American norms and culture, and, as a result, has not become self-sufficient.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Teaster, Caitlin TS, "The Acculturation of Sudanese Refugees in Maryville Tennessee: Has Self-Sufficiency Been Achieved?." (2011). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1308. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1308
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.