Las asociaciones en las redes personales. Mecanismo de integración de la población inmigrante?

This article aims to present some data about the relational functions that associations have among migrant population. Thus, entails to study the debate that confronts integration and homophily theories. The first ones highlight the virtuous circle of associations and their potential for the development of social capital beyond social groups. Whereas, the second ones consider associations as institutions that reinforce homogeneity on social networks and create parallel structures, creating and reproducing bonding social capital. Both theories are confronted with data of personal networks from the project CASREDIN. The results of this research show direct and indirect effects of participation in associations regarding to the composition of their networks (in terms of origin and place of residence of their Alters) as well as the social support obtained from them. Moreover, differences between various types of association are also explored.