The nexus of transnationalism, mobility and integration: A case of the Brazilian diaspora

Abstract

Transnationalism can be understood as the practices and ties taking place across national states. Its relationship with matters around integration and what is expected of immigrants has changed in the specialised literature, since it has been recognised that they are not necessarily at odds with each other. Concomitantly, as international mobility becomes an increasingly contentious issue in the public sphere and between countries, the ability to migrate consolidates itself as a factor of stratification and an important resource, especially to people from low- or middleincome nations. With this in mind, this study focuses on Brazil as a traditional country of immigration and its young diaspora which is becoming more diverse and institutionalised. The goal was to illuminate particular aspects and dynamics of Brazilian transnational ties and practices and their relationships with mobility and integration. The study differs from previous studies on experiences of Brazilian diaspora, since it focuses on multiple settings instead of only one or two places, as it is most commonly done when studying Brazilians overseas. To that end, the research gathered primary data by means of semi-structured interviews with ten Brazilian emigrants who have lived in some of the largest host nations of this diaspora (such as the USA, Portugal and Japan) and in various smaller receiving countries (e.g. Sweden and Norway). Additionally, the research made use of various other secondary sources, such as official publications and reports from state bodies, legislations and other policy documents. A first result from this study is that it induced reflexions on the nature of being a member of a diasporic community. In addition, I could then verify that past and current transnational ties –comprehending cross-generational ones as well – have a determining impact to enable or boost mobility. There are concrete examples of ways in which transnational ties might manifest themselves. Some notable instances include political participation; keeping friendships across diasporic groups; instrumentally, in the form of ethnic capital; as remittances to family members; as an emotional feeling of distance to the place where one resides. It has also been explored how emigrants have harnessed the capacity to move and remain abroad, i.e., which mode of migration have they successfully employed. The modes of migration attested in the study were often multifaceted in essence. They range from seeking work or study opportunities abroad, to family formation, overstaying a visa and stepwise migrations. Furthermore, it is argued that transnational ties as well as ethnic capital and education, stand out as important resources utilised by the informants to succeed in realising their migration aspirations and settling abroad. However, the relationship between transnationalism and integration is heavily context-dependent, which can result in it being both synergic and antagonistic to the same individual in different areas. This relationship is furthermore affected by other factors, such as material wealth. Therefore, in many a case, immigrants lack enough time or capital to engage in transnational practices to the extent they would have otherwise done. Moreover, the findings include several real-live stories that illustrate the rich tripartite nexus formed by transnationalism, mobility and integration.