Do Álamo Machado Costa, Beatriz

Stahlie, Anneke

Nowadays, ‘diaspora’ is acknowledged as a key concept that shapes our understanding ofidentity, especially in the transnational context. The case of the Guinean diaspora in Portugal isstudied through online interviews to explore the diaspora members’ identity, motivations,contributions, connections and the interlinked dynamic relations with both host and origin countries.Our main findings show that migrant associativism and activism influence the construction oftransnational ties and identity.In this thesis, the focus lies on the process of identity formation by studying the differentways of being active in the diaspora, such as activism (individual level) and associativism (collectivelevel). Even though participants' opinions differ, they all find meaning in the diaspora and theiractivism. The results of this case study demonstrate how being part of associations or being active inthe diaspora helps people to build their own ‘sense of self’, build a community abroad, and maintaintheir connection to Guinea-Bissau. However, the uneven and unequal reality of transnational spacesshould be acknowledged, as different backgrounds result in various transnational experiences for thediaspora members. By applying a transnational lens to the case of the Guinean diaspora, this thesisconfirms that the identity of its members is non-static while acknowledging the agency of participantsin defining their own identity. The study goes beyond transnational theory by demonstrating there ismore agency to transnational practices and connections than what the theory shows, as it is migrantswho actively create and maintain transnational ties through their activism.To conclude, diaspora members are a bridge between societies, which also translates intotheir identity and way of activism. By taking part in the diaspora, associativism and activism, theparticipants are actively maintaining their connection to home while abroad, which influences theiridentity and sense of belonging

Roskilde Universitet

Diaspora activism in a transnational world - Understanding the diaspora identities of Guinean-Bissau migrants in Portugal: Understanding the diaspora identities of Guinean-Bissau migrants in Portugal

Diaspora activism in a transnational world - Understanding the diaspora identities of Guinean-Bissau migrants in Portugal: Understanding the diaspora identities of Guinean-Bissau migrants in Portugal

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Roskilde Universitet