Mawani, Sharmina and Mukadam, Anjoom (dir.), Globalisation, Diaspora and Belonging: Exploring Transnationalism and Gujarati Identity, Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2014, 304p.
The term identity has become fashionable, both inside and outside the
sphere of academia. It has evolved so that in it incorporates both a means
of talking about individuality, community and cohesion, as well as a way to
comprehend the interaction between one’s experiences of the world and the
cultural and historical spheres in which those perceptions are formed. The
notion of belonging is complex in nature and the need to belong is a
necessity for individuals in society. The creation of a sense of belonging
is a multifaceted dynamic process that does not require an individual to
select one solitary group to which they may belong. It is through the
processes associated with achieving a sense of belonging that individuals
shape their identities. This collection focuses upon the experiences of the
Gujaratis, highlighting the unique ways that globalisation, migration,
language, culture and ‘othering’ shape perceptions of belonging. To
capture some of the complexities that characterise Gujarati identities this
volume is categorised thematically into three sections: (1) Globalisation
and Migration; (2) Language and Culture; and (3) Inclusion/Exclusion. Each
chapter is richly illustrated with excerpts from interviews and narratives
from Gujaratis in their attempt to belong and find acceptance in a variety
of settings, including Australia, Canada, the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, India, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Zanzibar. An insightful perspective into the Gujaratis, *Globalisation, Diaspora and Belonging* provides readers with a comprehensive overview of historical and contemporary issues surrounding notions of Gujarati identity.
*The editors of this volume have skillfully brought together interdisciplinary cutting-edge research on the many different elements that determine Gujarati identity. Highly topical and theoretically rich, this important contribution to scholarship provides a timely analysis of the increasing complexities that influence much of the contemporary human
predicament. In a world where globalisation and migration are the norm, and opposing identities compete to define us, the linkages between identity and belonging are presented using a wide variety of examples in a highly accessible way. Students, practitioners and policy makers will benefit enormously. -Professor Nirmala Rao, OBE, Pro Director (Learning and Teaching), School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London *