Narratives shaping the perceptions of the second-generation Afghan diaspora: is Afghanistan a militant, occupied and politically disordered country?

Abstract

ABSTRACT The second and third generations of the Afghan diaspora, living abroad, hold diverse views about their homeland. Our findings suggest that these individuals have shaped perceptions influenced by their parents’ migration stories, emphasising challenges like political instability and conflict. Growing up with narratives of their family's history, they gain insights into Afghanistan's complex political landscape, including the Soviet occupation, U.S. involvement, and the rise of the Taliban. These stories, often detailing hardships like displacement and human rights abuses, play a crucial role in connecting them to their roots and shaping their identity within the Afghan diaspora. This article uses qualitative narrative analysis to analyse how narratives shape perceptions within the second-generation Afghan diaspora. The article sheds light on the complex interplay between individual experiences and broader socio-political contexts, enriching diaspora research with an understanding of identity formation and transnational belonging.