Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Gort, a small rural town of Ireland with under 3,000 inhabitants has witnessed a growth in the number of Brazilian migrants since the late 90’s. The influx of Brazilian migrants to the town of Gort in Ireland, most of whom are from the city of Anápolis, Goiás, has its origins in the recruitment by Irish meat plants of a group of workers from a closing meat plant in Brazil. Over the years, the number of Brazilians in the town has increased substantially. Non-Irish nationals in Gort reached 40% by 2006, with the Brazilians the majority among them. Despite the economic downturn in Ireland, leading to a drop in the number of migrants, Brazilians still have a significant presence in Gort, with some making their way back to Ireland, most recently. This study relied on over a year and a half of qualitative ethnographic research, involving participant observation and interviews, to understand the everyday experiences of Brazilian migrants with life and work in Gort. Preliminary findings of the study reveal that migrant networks appear to provide a base of support for integration into the local community, facilitating employment and housing search, and supplying practical information, thus reducing vulnerability and costs. The study also brings to light how the rural background of both communities Brazilian and Irish played a key role in the integration of Brazilian migrants in Gort.