-
oa Diasporic mothering and Somali diaspora formation in the Netherlands
- Source: Journal of Global Diaspora & Media, Volume 2, Issue Somali Diaspora and Digital Practices, Jun 2021, p. 39 - 55
-
- 26 Nov 2020
- 06 Apr 2021
- 01 Jun 2021
Abstract
This article addresses how Somali women from the Netherlands participate in digital diaspora formation. It specifically takes the lens of ‘diasporic mothering’ understood as a site where difference and belonging are negotiated through work of cultural reproduction, collective identity construction and stable homemaking. I first analytically distinguish between two generations of Somali women on the basis of their arrival trajectory and their socio-economic background at the time of their living in Somalia. Second, by foregrounding Somali women’s lived experiences, I show how their participation in diaspora formation is shaped by both mothering practices, and local and national Dutch policy approaches to migration. Last, I argue that the specificities of the local and national Dutch context favours rather physical and neighbourhood-based diaspora encounters, while de-centring the role of digital media in the initial formation of diaspora networks.
Funding
- The European Research Council (ERC) consolidator grant ‘Digital crossings in Europe: Gender, diaspora and belonging’ (CONNECTINGEUROPE) (Award 647737)