Children of Globalization: Diasporic Coming-of-Age Novels in Germany, England, and the United States

Children of Globalization is the first book-length exploration of contemporary Diasporic Coming-of-age Novels in the context of globalized and de facto multicultural societies. These novels subvert the traditional Bildungsroman genre, featuring culturally-hybrid protagonists who negotiate adulthood in their own families and social contexts, often facing intersectional oppression. They ask questions of nationhood and belonging in increasingly globalized societies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Children of Globalization is a groundbreaking exploration of contemporary diasporic coming-of-age novels in the context of globalized and de facto multicultural societies. These novels challenge the traditional expectations of the genre, the Bildungsroman, which typically features middle-class, European, enlightened, and overwhelmingly male protagonists who become assimilated citizens, workers, and spouses. In contrast, diasporic coming-of-age novels offer diverse perspectives on youth and adulthood, often depicting culturally hybrid protagonists who face intersectional oppression due to their identities of race, gender, class, or sexuality. These characters must navigate the complexities of becoming adults within their own families and social contexts, often facing challenges such as undocumented status or limited access to full citizenship. This unique narrative structure enables complex and multifaceted formative processes that raise profound questions about nationhood and belonging in increasingly interconnected global societies.

Children of Globalization delves into the rich tapestry of contemporary diasporic coming-of-age novels, shedding light on their significance within the context of globalized and multicultural societies. These novels challenge the traditional Bildungsroman genre, which typically portrays middle-class, European, enlightened, and overwhelmingly male protagonists who seamlessly integrate into society. In contrast, diasporic coming-of-age novels offer a diverse range of perspectives, showcasing culturally hybrid protagonists who navigate the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging in a world that is rapidly becoming more interconnected.

These characters often face intersectional oppression due to their diverse identities, and their coming-of-age journeys are intricately intertwined with the broader social and political contexts in which they exist. Children of Globalization explores the various ways in which diasporic coming-of-age novels redefine the concept of youth and adulthood, challenging traditional notions of maturation and progress. These novels often depict young protagonists who are caught between multiple cultures, languages, and traditions, struggling to find their place in the world. Through their experiences, they grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and the search for a sense of home.

Furthermore, diasporic coming-of-age novels offer a unique lens through which to examine the complexities of nationhood and belonging in a globalized world. These characters often exist in a state of liminality, straddling multiple cultures and navigating the boundaries between different social and cultural systems. Their experiences highlight the challenges of cultural hybridity and the complexities of identity formation in a world that is increasingly shaped by transnationalism and migration.

Children of Globalization is a groundbreaking exploration of the evolving landscape of diasporic coming-of-age novels, providing valuable insights into the experiences of young individuals who are navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world. By examining the ways in which these novels challenge traditional narratives and redefine the concept of youth and adulthood, the book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complexities of diasporic identity and the role of literature in shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367676629