Diaspora and Transnationalism Flashcards
What are the primary features of diasporas, according to Robin Cohen (2008)?
1) Dispersal from a homeland (often traumatic), 2) Collective memory/myth of homeland, 3) Idealization of the ancestral home, 4) Return movements, 5) Strong ethnic consciousness, 6) Troubled relationship with host societies, 7) Solidarity with co-ethnic members in other societies, 8) Potential for a distinctive creative life in host countries.
What distinguishes victim diasporas from other types?
Victim diasporas arise from traumatic dispersal due to events like persecution or genocide, emphasizing historical survival against the odds.
What is “methodological nationalism,” and why is it criticized?
It’s the assumption that nation-states are the natural units of analysis in social science. Critics argue it neglects transnational and diasporic complexities.
How does the concept of transnationalism differ from diaspora?
Transnationalism emphasizes ongoing connections between individuals or groups across national borders without necessarily centering on historical trauma or collective memory.
What role does “return movement” play in diasporic identities?
It reflects a deep attachment to ancestral homelands, often supported by government incentives or programs, such as Ireland’s citizenship by descent or South Korea’s F-4 visa.
Why do scholars advocate for a “new mobilities paradigm”?
To move beyond “sedentarist” assumptions that prioritize stability and place-based identities, focusing instead on migration, mobility, and transnational connections.
How have concepts of ethnicity and race paradigms failed, according to Anthias (1998)?
By primarily focusing on assimilation, integration, or conflict within nation-states, rather than addressing transnational and diasporic dynamics.
Why has the term diaspora become more widely adopted than transnationalism?
Diaspora is associated with historical trauma and solidarity, resonating more with community identity, while transnationalism remains a primarily academic concept.
How do diasporic communities maintain solidarity with their homelands?
Through financial support, advocacy during crises, and cultural practices that emphasize connection to their ancestral lands.
What does Cohen’s model suggest about multiple diaspora categories?
Diaspora types include victim, imperial, labor, trade, and cultural, with groups potentially fitting into multiple categories based on migration reasons.
How does the concept of “transnational ethnic diasporas” expand traditional views?
It emphasizes the interaction between ethnic groups across multiple nations, connecting members globally while maintaining shared cultural ties.
What is the significance of Canada’s diaspora population?
As of 2016, ~4 million Canadians lived abroad, representing naturalized citizens, descendants of Canadian citizens, and individuals born in Canada.
Why might a community prefer the term diaspora over hyphenated identities?
Diaspora conveys historical and cultural solidarity, addressing feelings of inequality in host nations while emphasizing a shared connection to ancestral homelands.
What challenges do diasporic groups face in tolerant host societies?
Despite tolerance, diasporas often encounter discrimination, hostility, and marginalization, which can shape their collective identity.
How does the historical context of migration influence diaspora studies?
Understanding diasporas requires exploring migration histories, including voluntary and forced movements, to contextualize contemporary identities and connections.
