Struggles for identity formation: second-generation South Asian diaspora overseas

ABSTRACT

The second-generation South Asian diaspora, made up of individuals whose parents were born as immigrants in a foreign country, often faces unique and complex challenges in forming and reconciling their identities. This article attempts to shed light on the difficulties faced by second-generation South Asians in foreign communities, highlighting the greater identity problems compared to the third and fourth generations. The identity problems of second generation South Asians arise from their position at the crossroads of two cultures. They struggle with the tension between their ancestral roots and the dominant culture of their adopted country, which can lead to a profound sense of confusion. Unlike third- and fourth-generation people, who have a more solid sense of identity, second-generation people often find themselves caught between two worlds, leading to a range of psychological, social, and cultural challenges.

KEYWORDS:

• Diaspora
• Second-generation
• south Asia
• identity

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

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Notes on contributors

A. K. M. Ahsan Ullah

A. K. M. Ahsan Ullah is Associate Professor of Geography, Environment and Development at the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD). He has an extensive research portfolio and has worked with prestigious institutions such as the City University of Hong Kong, IPH at the University of Ottawa, McMaster University, Saint Mary's University, Dalhousie University in Canada, the American University in Cairo (AUC), Osnabruck University, Germany, and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand. His research areas include migration and mobilities, intercultural encounters and development, with a geographic focus on the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Middle East, and theoretical focus on globalization and neoliberalism, development and human rights, transnationalism, gender, intersectionality and the everyday life.