Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
closed access
This thesis delves into the complex dynamics of gender performance within the Tokyo trans and X-gender community, examining the ways in which individuals navigate their gender identities in...Show moreThis thesis delves into the complex dynamics of gender performance within the Tokyo trans and X-gender community, examining the ways in which individuals navigate their gender identities in different social settings. By adopting Erving Goffman's concept of the "frontstage" and the "backstage", the study aims to shed light on the complex interplay between conformity and self-expression in this cultural context. Through a combination of casual conversations, semi-structured interviews, observation, use of drawings, and analysis of online discourse, this research unveils the strategies employed by community members to negotiate societal norms and expectations. After defining gender roles and expectations in Japan, the thesis focuses on looks and the ability to "pass" as a cisgender person, which not only influence trans and X-gender people's possibility to access to queer and non-queer settings, but also condition their gender performance. Afterwards, the thesis focuses on gender performance in the "frontstage" and "backstage". Whereas the "frontstage" showcases the performative aspects of gender identity, often influenced by societal pressures and traditional gender roles, the "backstage" allows for a more authentic exploration of self, often characterized by fluidity and experimentation.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
2023-02-28T00:00:00Z
A sense of belonging and cultural dislocation are inevitably experienced by every human, but for migrants, these feelings are undoubtedly vital aspects in the social living experience in their new...Show moreA sense of belonging and cultural dislocation are inevitably experienced by every human, but for migrants, these feelings are undoubtedly vital aspects in the social living experience in their new homeland. This master thesis focuses on the social lives of one of these migrant groups: first generation Taiwanese women in the Netherlands. The practical findings are based on anthropological fieldwork conducted throughout April until November 2019 and is framed with anthropological and sociologic academic theory. The focus is on Taiwanese women with a first generation migrant background, who live here and are married or in a registered partnership (who are long-term migrants, or have the intent and probability to become so). This migrant group comprised a total of 884 women in 2019 (CBS 2019). In this qualitative research six women, with various backgrounds in terms of migration history, age, household and occupation, serve as main interlocutors. Through the expression of memory they contest and renegotiate their socio-cultural identity. This research showcases differing ways in creating senses of belonging, forming a new home in the Netherlands away from their native country, Taiwan. Other respondents and participatory observation add context and interpretation to their stories. The aim is to create a further understanding of this under researched migrant group and concerning the integration of migrants in general.Show less