Abstract
While the majority of the studies have looked at transnational political activism among the first generation, it is clear that the experiences of the second generation is limited to a significant degree, especially in regards to the experiences of second generation Tibetan youth. Consequently, by drawing on the experiences of second generation Tibetan youth who attended the ‘March 10 political demonstration’ in Toronto, this study explores transnationalism and identity construction among the second generation within transnational social spaces. The findings of this study of six second generation Tibetan youths show that the second generation is highly selective in its transnational practices, as their level of participation is dependent on other commitment and responsibilities they may have in their personal lives. With regards to their identity, the findings indicate that they held both Tibetan and Canadian identities as they held hybrid, fluid, and situational identities that was based on having loyalties to both Canada and Tibet. Ultimately, this study reveals that the second generation are constantly negotiating their fluid and hybrid identities, as they are receiving different opposing ideas and information flows that allows them to connect with both their homeland in Tibet and Canada.
Highlights
Due to the emerging literature on transnationalism among both the first and second generation, we must recognize that migrants are individuals who are able to maintain multiple ties, multiple identities, loyalties, and forms of belonging (Goldring & Krishnamurti, 2007)
Transnational social fields and spaces are important concepts to use to analyze political activism among the second generation, as these spaces describe the relationships between individuals, social networks and organizations, through which ideas and movements are exchanged across national borders (Levitt & Glick-Schiller, 2004)
The aim of this chapter is to put into context the nationalistic struggle of second generation Tibetan youths who engage with transnationalism and the type of transnational opportunities they engage in
Summary
In today’s global world, immigrants are able to maintain contacts across national borders in increasingly sophisticated ways. Transnational social fields and spaces are important concepts to use to analyze political activism among the second generation, as these spaces describe the relationships between individuals, social networks and organizations, through which ideas and movements are exchanged across national borders (Levitt & Glick-Schiller, 2004) In this regard, I find it appropriate to refer to the political demonstrations of second generation Tibetans as a basis for the analysis of transnationalism. Transnational social fields can be utilized for the investigation of the larger social, economic and political processes through which immigrants are able to embed and respond to more than one society (Fouron & Glick-Schiller, 2002) This conceptualization of transnational fields facilitates an analysis of the processes by which the second generation are able to sustain ties to their nation-state, while at the same time engaging in activities of the host country. The following chapter will summarize the transnational Tibetan Canadian youth movement and describe the role of religion and memory in shaping the transnational identities of Tibetan youths
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
