Popping the “bubble” metaphor: separation and integration of expatriate communities

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss multiple uses of the concept of “bubble” as a metaphor to refer to different experiences of foreign working communities and suggests a more flexible and comprehensive approach.Design/methodology/approachBased on ethnographic fieldwork conducted at different locations, the authors propose changing the use of the bubble metaphor from an analogy of living in isolation to a way of conceptualising the changing contexts and characteristics that impact the porosity and permeability of communities.FindingsThe paper suggests that when using the metaphor as a concept, the following considerations need to be taken into account: (1) the conventional thinking that “expat-bubbles” are isolated places, (2) any simplistic notion that different internationally mobile workers will be less or more immersed in the local community and (3) the use of the bubble metaphor without a careful delineation and reference to its permeability and porosity.Originality/valueThe paper helps to visualise a different dimension of the traditional taken-for-granted representation of the bubble. The bubble emerges as a rich analogical concept not to explain binomial representations of integration-separation. Rather than a simple “open” or “closed”, bubbles became more or less porous and permeable depending on the experiences of foreign working communities.

Breaking out of the expatriate bubble in Denmark: insights from the challenge of making connections with local Danes

“…However, many expats find it difficult to break out of the so-called “expatriate bubble” and do not capitalize on the many potential benefits of contact with HCNs (van Bakel, 2019). We would like to emphasize that although we use the “expatriate bubble” metaphor, we do not mean that expatriates are in a fully enclosed situation with only other expatriates as companions and that this situation can be solved by ‘pricking’ it (Miao et al ., 2022). Rather, we use it as a way to indicate that many expatriates find it difficult to connect with HCNs.…”

Development and Analysis of a Unified Mobile App for Coffee Shop Operations and Ordering Experience: A Proposal Review

“…When forced to install a brand's app, almost 80% of users admit this has caused them to stop a transaction. In recent years, the growth of expatriate communities in UAE cities [5] has had an unexpected yet significant impact on the country's coffee consumption and, subsequently, its coffee shop culture. This trend has resulted in an increased interest in high-quality coffee among Dubai customers, who now pay close attention to brewing processes and ingredient specifications.…”

“…These establishments have successfully capitalized on the growing demand for quality coffee experiences in Dubai. The surge in expat communities has played a significant role in shaping UAE [5] coffee culture. These communities have brought with them diverse coffee preferences and a penchant for specialty coffee.…”