The Italian Diaspora in South Africa

This book investigates the experiences of second- and third-generation Italians living in South Africa, exploring how nostalgia for Italy influences their sense of identity and belonging. It will be of interest to scholars from across migration studies and the Humanities in general.

Autorentext

Maria Chiara Marchetti-Mercer is Professor of Psychology at the School of Human & Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Anita Virga is Associate Professor at the School of Literature, Language and Media, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Inhalt

1. Situating our work 2. Meeting in the diaspora, researching the diaspora 3. Theoretical context 4. Historical context of the Italian community 5. "Our family does everything together": The importance of the family of origin 6. "I find it unique and I am proud to be Italian": The relationship with Italy and the larger Italian community in South Africa 7. "The point of going to Italy is the sense of belonging": The meaning of visits to Italy 8. "There is a lot of pain that I have inherited": Identity through nostalgia 9. "I don't feel Italian there and I don't feel South African here": Finding belonging in an interliminal space 10. Conclusion