Fluctuating Transnationalism : Social Formation and Reproduction Among Armenians in Germany

This book concerns various modes of being transnational among a diasporic population--Armenians in Germany--by drawing parallels between the first and second generation migrants. It puts forth the questions as to whether or not, and which kind of transactional activity/ties/practices survive over generations, and to what extent transnational engagements influence self-identification and the sense of belonging. It also examines how various modes of transnationalism, in turn, impact the sense of belonging. The book fleshes out new perspectives and interpretations of transnationalism, by revealing specific aspects of border-spanning ties, and by showing that connections to the country of origin do not necessarily need to be sustained or intensive in order to survive. They can, instead, fluctuate depending on various factors but still have the "right" to be called transnational. Contents Transnationalism and diaspora Historical background of Armenian migration, and formation of the Armenian diaspora Peculiarities of Armenian transnational ties Modes of representation in transnational social fields Components of belonging Target Groups Scholars and students of migration, transnationalism and diaspora studies, sociology Diaspora associations, migration officers The Author Astghik Chaloyan is a scientific assistant at Georg-August University of Göttingen, Institute for Sociology, and Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity This book concerns various modes of being transnational among a diasporic population--Armenians in Germany--by drawing parallels between the first and second generation migrants. It puts forth the questions as to whether or not, and which kind of transactional activity/ties/practices survive over generations, and to what extent transnational engagements influence self-identification and the sense of belonging. It also examines how various modes of transnationalism, in turn, impact the sense of belonging. The book fleshes out new perspectives and interpretations of transnationalism, by revealing specific aspects of border-spanning ties, and by showing that connections to the country of origin do not necessarily need to be sustained or intensive in order to survive. They can, instead, fluctuate depending on various factors but still have the "right" to be called transnational. Contents Transnationalism and diaspora Historical background of Armenian migration, and formation of the Armenian diaspora Peculiarities of Armenian transnational ties Modes of representation in transnational social fields Components of belonging Target Groups Scholars and students of migration, transnationalism and diaspora studies, sociology Diaspora associations, migration officers The Author Astghik Chaloyan is a scientific assistant at Georg-August University of Göttingen, Institute for Sociology, and Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity Front Matter....Pages I-IX Introduction....Pages 11-28 Transnationalism and Diaspora. Analytical Frameworks....Pages 29-62 Historical Background of Armenian Migration, and Formation of the Armenian Diaspora. Manifestations of the Strategic Nationalism....Pages 63-98 Peculiarities of Armenian Transnational Ties....Pages 99-131 Modes of Representation in Transnational Social Fields....Pages 133-177 Components of Belonging....Pages 179-229 Conclusions....Pages 231-241 Back Matter....Pages 243-263