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Transnationalism—Recognizing the Strengths of Dual Belonging for Both Migrant and Society

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Abstract

Globalization has contributed to unprecedented migration of people across countries and continents. With critique on some previous models on migrant acculturation, this research discusses transnationalism as an alternative lens through which to view transnational migrants. The research focussed on the experiences of South Africans who have migrated to Australia, specifically looking at their need for a sense of belonging and how they navigated between cultures to meet these needs. Transnationalism was found to provide a useful framework for the migrants’ lived experiences of a dual belonging, providing distinct benefits for both migrants and their new society. The study used a qualitative methodological approach set in the conceptual framework of social constructionism. The research findings raise recommendations deemed useful for policy makers and workplaces based around discrimination policies and cultural awareness. This paper promotes a better understanding of the strengths offered by a multicultural society.

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Notes

  1. HREC approval was granted by Avondale University College [project number 2016:04].

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the migrants and research participants from South Africa for generously sharing their stories, struggles, experiences and perspectives, and Kirsty Andersen for her copy-editorial support. The lead author also wants to thank Christian Heritage College in Brisbane and especially her co-authors for their support and encouragement and their invaluable feedback and academic rigour to help make this research a reality.

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Correspondence to Johannes M. Luetz.

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Klingenberg, A., Luetz, J.M. & Crawford, A. Transnationalism—Recognizing the Strengths of Dual Belonging for Both Migrant and Society. Int. Migration & Integration 22, 453–470 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-019-00744-2

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