Transnational ruptures and sutures: questions of identity and social relations among Guatemalans in Canada

Abstract

This article examines the ruptures and sutures of Guatemalan refugee transnationalism in the context of settlement in southern Ontario, Canada in the 1980s and 1990s. Political violence became deeply imbedded in `community' relations and subsequently ruptured the social fabric of Guatemala. Through the optic of transnationalism, this research examines the ways in which Guatemalans in Canada work to transform, rely on, and create new primary social relations that stretch across borders when face-to-face `community' connections are no longer possible. Transnational ruptures rather than transnational flows are evident due to varying legal status, the continuing instability, impunity, and insecurity associated with living conditions in Guatemala. Ruptures are reinforced by low income levels (in both countries) leading to lack of communication, and the physical distance between the two countries that inhibits regular travel.