Ambiguities of global and transnational collective identities

Abstract

As traditional categories of collective identity are in decline and brought into question, the process of defining shared perceptions of ‘us’ and ‘them’ by new markers and new mechanisms seems more important than ever. In the article, I summarize basic aspects of collective identity formation in the ongoing processes of globalization and transnationalization and discuss the basic challenges of collective identity in the twenty‐first century. I present different ideal types of border‐crossing collective identities in terms of the patterns of their spatial reach. Two of these types of collective identity –‘global humanism’ and ‘transnational collective identities’– are discussed in more detail, especially concerning their ambiguities of universal and/or particularistic character. I conclude that the global collective identity of ‘humanism’ is not as global as it appears at first glance, and that transnational collective identities usually refer to the authority of a stated global collective identity. Given these genuine interrelations between global humanism and transnational (and other spatial patterns of) collective identities, the future seems destined to be shaped by an intertwined ‘as‐well‐as’ relation rather than an ‘either–or’ relation between the different types of collective identities.

Soccer Spectatorship and Identity Discourses Among Latino Immigrants

“…We can talk about "Mexican ethnic identity" and "Latino ethnic identity;" which one of them becomes salient depends on where an individual resides, with whom he or she interacts and who is defined as an out-group. Lastly, our study showed transnational identity to be somewhat different from the transnational identity as defined by Pries (2013), and more akin to his concept of diaspora identity. Regardless of definitional differences, however, our findings provide clear support to Pries' assertion that "coexistence and interaction of different types of collective identities at multiple geospatial levels" (p. 27) is likely to characterize our future.…”

Untitled

“…The 'Diaspora' concept, although currently attributed to many migrant groups (Daswani, 2013;Pries, 2013;Tölölyan, 1991) and often conflated with the term 'transnational community' (Ong, 2003, 86;Stanley-Niaah, 2009, 756) in its classical meaning refers only to those migrant groups that disperse due to a perceived or actual threat to its survival (Du Toit, 2003, 16;Tölölyan, 1996, 12; for more characteristics of Diasporas, see Clifford, 1994, Kearny, 1995, and Tölölyan, 2007. As I show in this article, Afrikaners indeed do this.…”

Informal learning processes of migrants in the civil society: a transnational perspective

“…Many long-term residents in Finland as well as those who had bonding ties with Finns, particularly through marriage, manifested transnational identity, feeling Finnish-Estonian, Finnish-Russian or inbetween these. Some informants had adopted multicultural identities as well as regional, global and glocal identities (see also Pries, 2013). In addition, there were a few reporting ambiguous identity, i.e.…”