Diaspora and Cultural Identity: A Conceptual Review

Abstract

The theorists vary in their conceptualizations of diaspora and cultural identity of immigrants. Broadly speaking, the theorizations of diaspora can be categorized into four different groups with their focus on diverse aspects of immigrants’ lives. The first classical phase describes the forced migration of immigrants including victimhood diaspora of Jewish, Africans and Armenians. The second conceptualization incorporates historical, cultural and social diversities of people living in the diaspora. Critiquing the second phase, the third group of theorists deconstructs bipolar notions of the home and host country, and celebrates the inconsistencies, and fluidities of immigrants’ identities in diasporic third space. In contrast, the fourth conceptualizations emphasizes on relevance of the origin and historical exploitation of people of poor countries. Both the historical experiences and present negotiations play decisive roles in the formation of cultural identity of immigrants. The present article briefly reviews different conceptualizations of the diaspora and cultural identity of immigrants.

Exploring Cultural Hybridity Branded by Convergence and Syncretism in the Characteristic Features of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches in Zimbabwe: Implications for Spiritual and Material Well-Being

“…In Ackermann's context, cultural hybridity might be viewed as a dynamic and ongoing process, not just a simple mixing of two distinct cultures to create a third, 'hybrid' culture, but a more complex interaction in which cultural elements are continuously exchanged, transformed, and renegotiated. This concept challenges traditional notions of culture as fixed or pure, instead highlighting the fluid and evolving nature of cultural identities (Bhandari 2021). However, the debate around hybridity often centres on its implications for cultural identity and authenticity.…”

It Is Our Motherland Too

“…A focus on the role of religious identities contributes to the conversation on how solidarity movements based on religious identity emerge and develop into social movements (Garbin, 2018). The literature on diaspora identities is thick and burgeoning (Hosseini, 2020;Bhandari, 2021) and highlights their constantly changing, hybrid, fluid and hyphenated character (Hall, 1990). Scholars have focused on ethnonational identities (Sheffer, 2003), cultural identities (Hall, 1990), gender (Anthias, 1998), class (Van Hear, 2019 and the second generation (Brun and Van Hear, 2012).…”

Migration And The Indian Diaspora: Exploring Chitra Divakaruni’s Visions In Mistress Of Spices

“…The primary challenge for the first generation is the adaptation to a different culture due to its origins in the home. Indian immigrants in the United States frequently encounter difficulties in preserving their cultural heritage (Bhandari, 2021). Bhatia (2007) also elucidates that Indian immigrants frequently adopt in order to reconcile their Indian heritage with their American experiences.…”