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Superdiverse Diaspora

Everyday Identifications of Tamil Migrants in Britain

Palgrave Macmillan

Authors:

  • Speaks to scholars within the growing international and inter-disciplinary field of superdiversity studies by applying of the concept of superdiversity to an ascribed ‘diaspora’ population
  • Examines the experiences of Tamils from a diversity of backgrounds including South Indian, Malaysian, Singaporean, Mauritian and South African, in addition to Sri Lankan
  • Contributes to the ongoing critical debate on the nature of diaspora

Part of the book series: Global Diversities (GLODIV)

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiii
  2. Introduction

    • Demelza Jones
    Pages 1-23
  3. Researching a Superdiverse ‘Diaspora’

    • Demelza Jones
    Pages 25-50
  4. The Transnational Political Field

    • Demelza Jones
    Pages 73-105
  5. Social Relationships

    • Demelza Jones
    Pages 107-137
  6. Home and Family

    • Demelza Jones
    Pages 139-170
  7. Faith and Public Ritual

    • Demelza Jones
    Pages 171-212
  8. Conclusions: Too Diverse to Diaspora?

    • Demelza Jones
    Pages 213-224
  9. Back Matter

    Pages 225-255

About this book

Drawing on in-depth qualitative research, this book provides a nuanced picture of the everyday identifications experienced and expressed among the superdiverse Tamil migrant population in Britain. It presents the first detailed analysis of the narrative and experiences of Tamils from a diversity of backgrounds – including Sri Lankan, Indian, Singaporean and Malaysian – and addresses the question of their identification with a ‘Tamil diaspora’ in Britain. 

 

Theoretically informed by Brubaker’s conception of ‘diaspora as process’ and Werbner’s notion of diasporas as both ‘aesthetic’ and ‘moral’ communities, Jones examines political engagements alongside other, less studied, ‘frames’ of Tamil migrants’ lives: social relationships (local and transnational), the domestic space of home, and performances of faith and ritual. Considering diaspora as a process or practice allows the author to reveal a complex landscape upon which ‘being Tamil’ and ‘doingTamil-ness’ in diaspora are diversely enacted.

 

Combining original ethnographic research with a theoretical engagement in the key debates in migration, diaspora, ethnicity and superdiversity studies, this book makes a novel contribution to scholarship on Tamil populations and will advance critical understandings of the concept of ‘diaspora’ more generally.

 


Reviews

“The book makes an important contribution to the migration and diaspora literature, as well as provides an exemplary clear introduction to the history and current situation of Tamils in Britain and internationally. … This well-written book deserves a wide readership. By engaging with the large, expanding literature on diasporas, Jones’ book provides a case study that is intriguing beyond the Tamil case. The book’s seven chapters are all equipped with bibliographies facilitating independent use, for instance, on a syllabus.” (Ingrid Smette, South Asian Diaspora, February 15, 2022)

Authors and Affiliations

  • School of Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, UK

    Demelza Jones

About the author

Demelza Jones is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Gloucestershire, UK. 

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Superdiverse Diaspora

  • Book Subtitle: Everyday Identifications of Tamil Migrants in Britain

  • Authors: Demelza Jones

  • Series Title: Global Diversities

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28388-9

  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham

  • eBook Packages: Social Sciences, Social Sciences (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2020

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-28387-2Published: 13 November 2019

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-28390-2Published: 13 November 2020

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-28388-9Published: 31 October 2019

  • Series ISSN: 2662-2580

  • Series E-ISSN: 2662-2599

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XIII, 255

  • Number of Illustrations: 11 illustrations in colour

  • Topics: Diaspora, Migration, Ethnography

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access