Integration of Russian-speaking Mothers Through Czech Civil Society

The thesis maps the ways of participation of Russian-speaking mothers on the Czech civil society. By means of in-depth interviews I learn what factors are required for the integration of the migrants and what make the integration difficult. I focus on fulfillment of the need of belonging to Czech civil society in the context of all other needs. The sense of belonging is specific for women because of their gender-dependent family role - a woman takes care of children and comes more often to contact with Czech society through them. She also assumes the role of a protector of the original culture and mother tongue. I study the influence of the ethnic identity of mothers on the integration of their children into the new environment and the role of the mothers in the upbringing of a new citizen. I also study whether the migrants need services of Czech and migrant non-profit organizations for their participation on Czech civil society, or whether they use help of their countrymen. Keywords: Integration, participation, civil society, Russian-speking migrant mother, sense of belonging, identit