Searching for ‘success’: generation, gender and onward migration in the Iranian diaspora

Authors

  • Melissa Kelly University of the Free State Carleton University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59670/ml.v14i1.319

Keywords:

intergenerational, transnational social fields, transnational habitus, Iranian diaspora, onward migration

Abstract

This article uses the concepts of ‘transnational social fields’ and ‘habitus’ to explore the multifaceted role families play in shaping the aspirations of onward migrating youth. The article draws on biographical life history interviews conducted with the children of Iranian migrants who were raised in Sweden but moved to London, UK as adults. The findings of the study suggest that from a young age, all the participants were pressured by their parents to perform well academically, and to achieve high level careers. These goals were easier to achieve in London than in Sweden for several reasons. Interestingly, however, participants’ understandings of what constituted success and their motivations for onward migration were nuanced and varied considerably by gender. The study contributes to an understanding of the role of multi-sited transnational social fields in shaping the aspirations of migrant youths, as well as the strategies taken up by these migrants to achieve their goals.

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Author Biography

Melissa Kelly, University of the Free State Carleton University

Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University

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Published

2017-01-12

How to Cite

Kelly, M. (2017). Searching for ‘success’: generation, gender and onward migration in the Iranian diaspora. Migration Letters, 14(1), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.59670/ml.v14i1.319