Revue des arts et des sciences sociales

Social Capital and the Omani Society in Queensland: An Ethnographic Study

Abstract

Ahmed Saif Saad AL-Shaaili

Many students who study abroad face difficulties when adapting in new environments and communities. Thus, this study is trying to examine whether there is a relationship between social capital within Omani Society in Queensland (OSQ) in relation to adapting to the university life and the Australian community. There is no literature that has examined adaptation and social capital within Omani communities, within different cultural landscapes. This is an ethnographic study that incorporated both observations and semi-structured interviews, and a purposive sampling method was selected for this research. Based on the thematic analysis of the interviews and observations data, the research shows that OSQ supports its members, both singles and families, to adapt to university life and integrate within Australian culture. Indeed, there are two main findings of this study that relate to OSQ and social capital. These are emotional connection and cultural distinction.

The results of this research may encourage the formation of new social clubs to assist students in their cultural transition and academic achievements through fostering social capital. Moreover, this study opens new ground for social capital theory and adaptation.