Hacia la Construcción de un Modelo Comprensivo de Análisis de la "Situación de Inmigración" de Mujeres Sudamericanas en Chile

this paper presents the construction of a comprehensive model for the analysis of "immigration situation" through qualitative research. this study included three stages: an initial model (theoretical and practical material assembly), an intermediate emerging model (data collection; reconstruction and analysis) and a final emerging model (theorization). data analysis was done using grounded theory and life stories. thus, we worked with life stories in terms of theorizing, a process in which four dimensions emerged: gender tensions, place/no place, assimilation/integration and market tensions. the main conclusions emphasize the analytical power of using life stories and rereading of grounded theory. the importance of safeguarding validity criterion such as triangulation, dependence, confirmability, and saturation, are highlighted. finally, the challenge is raised to extend the model from a conceptual level to an empirical level, for psychosocial intervention.