BEYOND HOME/HOST NETWORKS: FORMS OF SOLIDARITY AMONG LEBANESE IMMIGRANTS IN A GLOBAL ERA

Abstract

This article draws on postcolonial understandings in order to offer a sociological analysis of Lebanese immigrants in Montreal, New York City and Paris. I argue that the concept of diaspora provides a framework for understanding the contradictory aspects of Lebanese immigrant experiences, as some immigrants may undergo a process of assimilation while others continue to hold on to their ethnic identities. Investigating Lebanese immigrant communities as a diaspora leads to the understanding of the ways immigrants construct solidarities that include their homeland, host societies, and the larger diaspora community in various parts of the world. As an analytical framework, “diaspora” incorporates multiple loyalties and attachments that are integral to processes of international migration. Thus, the framework of diaspora promises significant contributions to the understanding of the complex dynamics involved in migration and globalization.

Key Words:

• diaspora
• immigrant communities
• Lebanese immigrants
• transnationalism
• globalization

Acknowledgments

I thank Steven Seidman, Richard Alba, Richard Lachmann, Ron Jacobs, Amy Lutz, Caroline Brettell, and the anonymous reviewer for their helpful comments on earlier versions of this paper. This research was supported by the Social Science Research Council’s International Migration Dissertation fellowship and the Ford Foundation’s Middle East Research Competition Award. The opinions expressed here do not reflect those of the funding agencies and are the sole responsibility of the author.

Notes

1. The context of reception is composed of government policies—which vary from exclusion, passive acceptance, or active encouragement; labor market attitudes—whether indifferent, positive, or negative; and the presence of an ethnic community—which can cushion the impact of cultural change and protect immigrants against outside prejudice and initial economic difficulties.

2. It is beyond the scope of this article to illustrate the difference between the three contexts of reception and the variations in immigrants’ narratives they informed. Despite the given differences, this article illustrates the similar patterns of immigrant social attachments which were observed in the three cities.

3. For example, I started interviewing members of the Lebanese community in New York City during the summer of 2001. Following the September 11^th attacks, which resulted in well-known disturbances within the Arab American community, I interviewed the same individuals in order to account for changes in the way they understand their experiences and public engagement.

Collinson, Sarah 1999 Globalisation and the dynamics of international migration: Implications for the refugee regime. UNHCR Working Papers, New Issues in Refugee Research, Working Paper #1.

Karim, Karim H. 1998. From ethnic media to global media: Transnational communication networks among diasporic communities. Economic and Social Research Council Transnational Communities Programme Working Papers.