Mobilizing to support those most in need: the importance of diasporic social capital during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Diasporic communities, and in particular ethnic-specific associations, are known for offering invaluable support to immigrants. This support may range from the practical (connecting people with jobs and housing), to the emotional (helping people to adapt to their new environment) to the spiritual (providing people with opportunities to practice their faith). While much is known about the role and importance of diasporic communities in assisting immigrants under ordinary circumstances, less is known about the capacity of these communities to mobilise during times of crisis. This paper examines how diasporic communities provided care for South Asian immigrants and international students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through an analysis of interviews with key stakeholders representing South Asian-focused associations, different levels of government, as well as non-governmental organizations in Ontario, Canada, the paper contributes a deeper understanding of the role of diasporic social capital and the value of this capital during times of acute need.

KEYWORDS:

• South Asian diaspora
• social capital
• diasporic social capital
• diaspora engagement
• diaspora support
• COVID-19 response
• COVID-19 and immigrants

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The South Asian countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

2 In Canada, a 'recent immigrant' is someone who has obtained permanent residency status up to five years prior to a given census year.

3 The Employment Equity Act defines visible minorities as "persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour." It consists mainly of the following groups: South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Latin American, Arab, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese (Statistics Canada 2022)

4 Gurdwara is a place of learning and worship for the Sikhs. Often Gurdwaras have free community kitchens, Langar, open to all who need shelter, comfort, and food.

5 Vedic Cultural Centres are usually places that allow for the practice of Hindu spiritual and cultural traditions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Melissa Kelly

Dr. Melissa Kelly is a Senior Research Associate at the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration & Integration Program at Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada. She holds a Ph.D. in Social and Economic Geography from Uppsala University. Her research interests include diaspora and transnational studies, border studies, and migration studies.

Ashika Niraula

Dr. Ashika Niraula is a Senior Research Fellow – Project Lead at the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration & Integration Program at Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada. She holds a Ph.D. degree in Educational Anthropology from Aarhus University in Denmark. Her research broadly encompasses decision making of highly skilled migrants and international students as well as economic and social integration of migrants in Canada and Denmark.