What is Diaspora Studies?

Diaspora studies is a great intro into ethnic studies and a part of our intercultural studies program. It’s an interdisciplinary academic field that examines the history, cultures, and social structures of ethnic groups that have been dispersed from their homeland.  This field of study focuses particularly on how these communities maintain their identity and adapt to new environments through both voluntary and forced migration. 

Through Diaspora studies, you’ll begin to examine: 

• Identity and belonging
• Memory and History
• Language and Culture
• Race, Colonialism, and Power
• Transnationalism

Through the 1970s to the 2000s, the study of immigration through refugee movements, decolonization, and labor migration became popular. After WWII, groups of people began moving and circulating throughout the world. Diaspora became a framework to understand migration, flexible identities, and global networks. 

Diaspora studies help us understand how displaced groups maintain culture and influence global societies. Through Diaspora studies, we learn more about transnationalism and identity. We can also better understand how migrant communities contribute economically and culturally to both their homeland and their new homes.

Diaspora studies continues to be an important subject, especially within an intercultural studies degree program as global migration continues to grow and international travel becomes more and more popular and easier to access. 

Understanding more about Diaspora and its effects can foster cross cultural dialogue for those who want to become global leaders. Ultimately those who study Diaspora and complete our intercultural studies program will help to create a more connected and understanding world.

While there are similarities between the concepts of Diaspora and Immigration (both involve moving from one country/culture to another), there are a few key differences.

Immigration is defined as the movement of people from one place to another. Diaspora goes on step further and focuses on the community formed by these migrants and their descendants. 

Immigration is the action that is taken.

Diaspora is the consequence of this action.

Diaspora studies can be an important topic to understand for a variety of professional fields. Anyone wishing to become an anthropologist, sociologist, or study history, political science, or even media studies can benefit from a strong understanding of Diaspora studies. 

Careers with specialties in diaspora studies can include International Relations, humanitarian work, education, politicians, journalism, and can also lead to fantastic graduate study pathways.