ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter outlines the main objectives and assumptions of the monograph. The primary focus of the research is on Polish immigrant organizations (PIOs) in Germany and the various factors that influence their situation. The chapter highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of PIOs within the context of the transnational opportunity structure. Additionally, the chapter highlights the significance of analyzing PIOs from a multidimensional perspective, considering various factors such as socio-economic and political contexts, cultural and institutional environments, and human resources. Furthermore, it also describes the data sources used in the research. The data collection process involved both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews, and analysis of existing data and literature. The chapter emphasizes the importance of a multi-method approach to generate comprehensive and reliable results, which are essential in providing a more nuanced understanding of the situation of PIOs in Germany. Overall, this chapter serves as a foundation for the subsequent chapters and provides an essential overview of the research’s objectives, scope, rationale, and data sources.
