When Migrants Move One Society To Another Sociology Essay Example

can be disconnected and linked to previous movements. The location chosen for this research is Leicester due to its large Somali community, which has been a draw for EU Somalis, and the researcher’s familiarity with the community.The concept of "secondary motion" is commonly used to describe asylum seekers' migration after their first claim for refugee status (Moret et al., 2006). Such movements may contradict expected or desired patterns, suggesting that asylum seekers may seek more than just safety, including family reunification, legal security, education and employment (Zimmermann, 2009).

Although Somalis who migrated to the UK after obtaining European passports cannot be classified as "secondary movers" according to policy labels, they may have similar reasons for their migration as asylum seekers, but chose to wait for legal opportunities to undertake onward journey in a secure and legal way (Nielsen, 2004).

While research on immigrants and citizenship has mostly ignored how immigrants implement citizenship, Ehrkamp and Leitner (2003) argue that a dynamic perspective is necessary in today's era of rapid and globalized movement across national borders. To capture the multiple meanings and practices involved in citizenship and identity, Van Liempt (2011a) suggests that a dynamic perspective is necessary.The research aims to explore how young Somalis in Norway negotiate dominant societal narratives regarding Somali identity, as well as their secondary migration to countries like the Netherlands and United Kingdom. Drawing on Giddens’ work, the study also seeks to examine how these youth produce their own narratives of self-identity by utilizing particular interpretive repertories. Additionally, the research recognizes that individuals’ identities are intersectional and not produced along a singular axis of difference. This includes consideration of how individuals may claim or

disavow certain available narratives of identity. It is worth noting that secondary migration is not exclusive to the Somali cultural group, as other groups such as Sudanese, Iraqis, Afghans, Sri Lankans, Congolese, Ivoirians, and Nigerians have undergone similar migration patterns. This suggests a possible overarching reasoning for the desire or need for secondary migration.In my research, I am exploring Brah et al's (1999, page 4) perspective on the concept of individual identities amongst youth as "a set of narrations of self-production that are dispersed through a multiplicity of power relations." I believe that these identities are shaped within specific spaces – such as a person's home, country and global diaspora – where identity markers can differ depending on the context. This notion of identity is not static; it is flexible, diverse, and dynamic. However, power also plays a role in shaping identity within these spaces. For instance, the recognition and acceptance of one's identity by a wider community of practice is crucial to acknowledging and valuing it. Therefore, if a Somali refugee has citizenship in the UK but is not recognized as British by their community, they may still feel like an outsider and be subjected to racist harassment.Valentine (2009) suggests that executing the same personal identity in different contexts can determine whether someone belongs or is excluded based on specific spatial norms and expectations (Cresswell, 1996). For instance, speaking Somali in a British classroom, where English is expected, can make a young person appear as if they do not belong, while doing the same in a local community center where Somali is the norm can signify belonging (Valentine et al, 2008). My research will

explore these delicate situational differences that illuminate how identity and belonging are fluid and dynamic. Furthermore, it highlights citizenship's role as an extension of these concepts. To achieve my research objective, I will use a qualitative research approach with a constructivist theoretical foundation. Interviews will provide the necessary depth and flexibility.

I believe that constructivist theory is best suited to my research because it aligns with my personal epistemic and ontological associations. I think that knowledge is actively constructed through interactions and relationships between individuals and their perceptions of societal conditions.The subjective and situational nature of cognition is heavily influenced by various factors. My research will explore how individual perceptions, experiences, and backgrounds contribute to the types of knowledge produced. Through interviews with 30 young Norwegian-Somali individuals aged 16-25 in Leicester, I will investigate their personal histories of mobility, attachment, and understanding of their own identities. A crucial aspect of the interview process is to achieve comprehensive coverage across key issues while also delving deeply into them. Therefore, the formulation and delivery of research questions are critical, with content function questions aimed at identifying relevant issues for participants while content excavation questions explore complexities within those issues (Kvale, 1996; Ritchie and Lewis, 2003: 148; Rubin and Rubin, 1995).During my interviews with Norse Somali respondents, it is important to use probes, specifically content excavation inquiries, in order to gather deep and unified information (Patton, 2002). As interviews are a form of social interaction, the location of the interview is also crucial for building a good rapport with the respondents. I will ask the respondents where they feel most comfortable conducting the interview and accommodate their needs. However,

it should be noted that my sample may not be fully representative and their narratives only provide partial insights into a wider phenomenon. Nevertheless, the produced knowledge will aid in understanding the role that a multinational triangle plays in shaping one's identity and sense of belonging. To analyze this empirical data, I will utilize narrative theories of identity (Somers, 1994). According to Somers (1994:606), "it is through narrations and narrativity that we constitute our social identities...all of us come to be who we are (however fleeting, multiple and changing) by being located or placing ourselves (usually unconsciously) in social narratives seldom of our own making."My focus is on understanding how young Somalis negotiate and position themselves in societal narratives that they did not create themselves, which define what it means to be Somali or British/Scandinavian. It is important to acknowledge that these societal narratives are racialized and gendered, and play a role in making certain subject positions available, although social categories are more complex than dominant public definitions. Additionally, as I may inquire about experiences of racism, uncomfortable situations may arise. To address this, I will be attentive and perceptive to any discomfort and digitally record the interviews to fully concentrate on the interviewee. If this is not possible, I will write down key themes and ideas during the interview and immediately after.Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in challenging research situations. My research will employ a life story approach (ThompsonA 1978), utilizing memories, reminiscences, eyewitness accounts, and oral interviews as key components. Prior studies have revealed that many young Norse Somalis have only experienced Somalia through the narratives and reminiscences of their parents or older

generation relatives who were born and raised in Somalia. I contend that the value of these narratives lies in their ability to offer an understanding of individuals' uniqueness. This approach will not only aid in extracting individuals' sense of identity and sense of belonging but also provide insights into the Norse Somalis as a distinct social group.In addition to personal contacts and community organizations, I will access respondents through sweet sand verbena sampling. Although migration involves physical movement, I argue that it is not the physical location that drives changes in identity or belonging, but rather the interactions between migrants and various elements of that location, which are constantly in flux (Valentine, 2009). Therefore, place can be understood as a non-geographic sociocultural and ethnonational locator that has the ability to shift individual and group identities in a meta-place beyond geographic boundaries (Van Liempt, 2011). By interacting with the receiving society, the Somali diaspora, and those in Somalia, individuals experience a sense of belonging and develop their identities. While generalizations cannot be made from a small sample size, the process of forming identity and belonging takes place through connections and interactions in these various contexts. For this reason, my interview questions will follow a "hybrid" style starting with basic factual questions such as "where were you born?" and "when did you travel to the UK?" before moving on to more abstract inquiries such as "what does the word 'belonging' mean to you?"The goal of my research is to establish a connection with the respondent while gathering comprehensive information related to my research topic and goals. Personal inquiries based on the provided information play a crucial role

in creating resonance. Despite careful planning, various circumstances can arise while conducting research in the field, requiring me to adapt to different respondents and obstacles that may occur. Therefore, I will maintain a degree of flexibility in my research methods. It is important to acknowledge that my personal perceptions, experiences, and background may influence the interpretation of gathered information. However, as a constructivist researcher, I recognize that researcher positionality cannot be eliminated and will transform it into a strength for my research. The concept of identity has various interpretations, including social, personal, and corporate identity. Personal identities are self-designations and self-attributions regarded as personally typical. (Snow 2001, 2)According to Snow (2001), societal individualities are the identities attributed to others in an effort to locate them in societal space. These identities are grounded in established societal functions. However, Snow suggests that corporate identities differ from societal individualities, as they have embedded within them a corresponding sense of corporate agency facilitating corporate action. In order to effectively comprehend and analyze information, a comprehensive understanding of the multi-faceted nature of the concept of identities is essential. Cohen (1994) further explains that individuals know who they are by knowing who they are not. Tajfel (1974) suggests that an individual's identity is mostly related to the position they hold within society. Furthermore, Rummens (2001) argues that identities are not only ascribed or achieved but are also socially constructed and negotiated by societal actors. These designations of self and/or others may be accepted or contested. It is important to note that there exists a vast collection of literature on identity, thus this thesis will focus on discussing the most relevant statements

associated with its main topic.The idea that there are numerous factors that influence an individual's sense of identity is implied. These factors are primarily shaped by the dominant societal influences within a given location. Since every society is unique, the development of an individual's sense of identity will differ accordingly. Tajfel (1974) and other researchers (such as Rummens in 2001 and Letourneau in 2001) have explored the relational nature of individualities. Tajfel suggests that an individual's sense of identity comes not only from their membership in a social group but also from the emotional attachment associated with that group. Letourneau highlights the dual implications of the relational aspect of identity, pointing out that it arises from both self-narrative and external narrative. Therefore, to ensure the validity of the analysis, it is important to take into account the complexity of this issue. Dien (2000) and Phinney and Goosens (1996) are among the identity theorists who have increasingly focused on understanding the context in which identities are formed.The concept of individuality is perceived by some as a socially constructed life narrative that is constantly being revised, providing a sense of continuity despite changes. In a study by Kloep and colleagues in 2003, the perceptions of young people regarding their communities were colored by whether they believed they would stay or leave for educational or occupational opportunities. Multiple and fluid identities are also acknowledged by various authors, including Rummens, who suggests that an individual can have an endless number of identities. Letourneau notes that identities are constantly changing, suggesting a continual re-interpretation of the self and an awareness of the temporal nature of identities which may change over

time or location. These ideas highlight the importance of recognizing the transitory nature of identities and the possibility that findings of research may not always be accurate due to its fluidity.The concept of identity is strongly associated with boundaries, as individuals and societal groups may undergo changes that can affect their identity. Martin (1995) argues that identity is constructed through life stories and narratives, which rely on perceptions of self and otherness. Stuart Hall's research on identity suggests that discourse plays a key role in identity construction. Connolly (2002) contends that identity is dependent on difference and distinctness, highlighting its political and relational nature. Hopkins' (2010) study of Somali women in London and Toronto illustrates the performative aspect of identity. These statements have informed the choice of research methods and data interpretation in this study.The use of various elements such as words, Acts of the Apostles, gestures, and expressions contributes to the creation of a core identity (Hopkins, 2010: 525). This endeavor to maintain one's individuality while adapting to a new culture amidst changing political circumstances is of great interest to me and will be partially examined.