The Myth of Return: Dismissal, Survival or Revival? A Bradford Example of Transnationalism as a Political Instrument

Abstract

This article documents forms of 'homeland' attachment and analyses their significance among second-and third-generation British Pakistanis by comparison with the 'myth of return' that characterised the early pioneer phase of Pakistani migration to Britain. 'Homeland attachment' for young British Pakistanis is constituted through school holidays spent in Pakistan, participation there in life-cycle rituals involving the wider kinship network, and the older generation's promotion of the idea of Pakistan as a spiritual and cultural homeland. The article suggests that, for the pioneer generation, the 'myth of return' justified a socio-economically motivated migration. Yet for the second and third generations, 'homeland' attachments and the idea of a possible return to Pakistan represent, instead, a response to contemporary political tensions and Islamophobia. Thus, while 'myth of return' remains, for the majority, a myth, it has been revitalised and has a new political significance in the contemporary political context. The paper will first of all acknowledge the intersections between the two continents and analyse how homeland attachment is transmitted to younger generations through the organisation of the life-cycle. In the second part, attention will switch to the economic 'myth of return' of the pioneer generation and its transformation into a political issue with reference to contemporary global events.In the first extensive research on the idea of the myth of return, Muhammad Anwar discussed 'the mythology that [Pakistanis] are in Britain to save, invest and eventually return to their villages back home' as the cause of their 'resistance to change and Marta Bolognani is a PhD student in Sociology at

Return Migration

“…Nevertheless, the negative discourse in the host country, as manifested in negative attitudes of the mainstreamers towards immigrant groups, xenophobia, perceived discrimination, racism, may influence immigrants' sense of belonging as well as return migration decision (Bolognani, 2007;Kunuroglu et al, 2015b). Negative social conditions in the immigration context create integration problems as well as failure in sense of belonging to the country of immigration.…”

An anthropological perspective on the mosque in Pakistan

“…(Bolognani 2007;So 2010). These can also be an important factor in changing people"s attitude toward women"s access to the mosque.…”

Return Imaginaries and Political Climate: Comparing Thinking About Return Mobilities Among Pakistani Origin Migrants and Descendants in Norway and the UK

“…In our longstanding research engagement with Pakistani migrants and descendants in the UK and Norway (Bolognani 2007(Bolognani , 2014(Bolognani , 2015Erdal 2012Erdal , 2013, we find that a great majority of research participants bring up issues related to the prevalent political climate, regardless of whether or not this is connected with the research question informing the interview. So for instance, in research projects focusing explicitly on transnational ties, such as sending remittances, or on Islamic charity and development efforts, research participants raise issues related to their place in society and about the contingent nature of their belonging in the UK or Norway, regardless of formal citizenship status and of the socio-economic position.…”