Matthew Blanton

Outlines the development of a weekly panel survey conducted with migrants living in Costa Rica, which was created in an effort to better understand the dynamic changes in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. Demonstrates that it is possible to retain a diverse sample in intensive panel surveys, revealing valuable insights into their incorporation, family dynamics, and health.

Explores the impact of Los Tigres del Norte, a renowned Mexican band whose songs provide deep emotional insights into the struggles and resilience of migrants, addressing themes of displacement, border challenges, and transnational lives.

Examines how migrant families in Costa Rica adapt to the stressors of international displacement. Identifies four stages of family stress adjustment: prioritizing safety, grappling with new circumstances, prolonged uncertainty, and resettling. The final stage, where both parents and children resettle, occurred only in families with stable support. Highlights how parents' perceptions of their circumstances influence the family's progression through these stages.

Discusses the declining role of religion in sociological research despite its significant impact on society, and explores if academia's irreligiosity contributes to this neglect. Finds that personal secular beliefs and departmental focus on religious research influence students' engagement with religion.

Examines the mental health of refugees and other migrants in Costa Rica. Finds that most survey respondents showed considerable fluctuations in their mental health. Key factors influencing this variability include age, education, perceived discrimination, hunger, homelessness, and prior violence exposure.

Highlights Costa Rica as a crucial location for understanding migrants in need of protection (MNP), who migrate to escape serious threats. Addresses gaps in existing research by examining the types of threats faced by MNPs, how their demographic characteristics affect their experiences, and the development of their social networks.

Addresses the rapid growth of Protestant and Evangelical groups in Latin America, noting that this demographic shift has prompted speculation about how Evangelical communities might influence society, particularly concerning democratic values and civic engagement. Uses recent survey data from sixteen Latin American nations and finds that Evangelicals are neither a threat nor a boon for democracy, showing no significant differences from Catholics in democratic behaviors.