Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
This study investigates what factors influence ethnic identity and sense of belonging amongst first- and second- generation individuals of the Ghanaian diaspora in the Netherlands. The experiences...Show moreThis study investigates what factors influence ethnic identity and sense of belonging amongst first- and second- generation individuals of the Ghanaian diaspora in the Netherlands. The experiences shared by interlocutors portray that ethnic identity is fluid and interchangeable, instead of a fixed phenomenon. Ghanaian interlocutors demonstrated that they live within a double consciousness, as they are able to move between worlds of connectedness and disconnectedness with their Ghanaian and Dutch identities. Furthermore their sense of belonging is closely related to larger structures of (everyday) racism prevalent in Dutch society and personal notions affiliated with The Netherlands as home. Then in Ghana sense of belonging is also multifaceted as they are perceived as too "Dutch".Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
Somalis have been engaging in national and transnational migration for centuries. In the past, their relocation has often been fuelled by pastoralism and trade and later, more forcefully, by civil...Show moreSomalis have been engaging in national and transnational migration for centuries. In the past, their relocation has often been fuelled by pastoralism and trade and later, more forcefully, by civil war. In more recent times, imaginaries about destination countries seem to be shaping the mobilities of Somalis in the diaspora. In the context of the massive onward migration of Somalis from the Netherlands to England around the year 2000, this thesis attempted to gain insight into Somalis’ imaginaries about future destinations through semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Special attention was paid to content and sources of imaginaries, and to differences along the lines of gender and generations. The data was analysed through coding and through an anthropological and psychological lens. Results indicate that imaginaries mostly revolve around England and Somalia, although actual plans for migration only exist towards Somalia. While in the past imaginaries were mostly formed based on oral information, today social media and personal country visits are creating more nuanced imaginaries. Furthermore, compared to the first generation, younger Somalis are more cautious in forming positive imaginaries about destination countries. Future research should include educational background and observe how transnational migration trends among the Somali community in the Netherlands take shape across generations and in the future.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
Every country has its own history, every community its own culture, every family its own story. This is an ethnography, studying the mundane, everyday life of Mayan parent in Guatemalan communities...Show moreEvery country has its own history, every community its own culture, every family its own story. This is an ethnography, studying the mundane, everyday life of Mayan parent in Guatemalan communities around Lake Atitlan. Guatemala is one of the few countries in the world, where indigenous people make up for half of the population. Although they are marginalized politically, socially, and culturally in the Guatemalan context, there is a strength in numbers. Vibrant indigenous communities pass on values, customs, and language onto the next generations. These communities became even more empowered because of a revival of Mayan consciousness after the signing of the peace accords after a 40 year civil war. This study attempts to create insight how Mayan communities parent and reproduce values and customs and over generations, but also how they meet the challenges of a globalizing world. The body of anthropological knowledge on parenting and the role of children in society is steadily growing. Even though it is important to learn from traditional rural communities, it is also very important to understand how people adapt to changing realities, while preserving indigeneity.Show less
