Contesting Chineseness: Nationality, Class, Gender and New Chinese Migrants

Eleven million Chinese migrants live outside of China, with many heading for Western destinations. However, tensions between Singaporean-Chinese and new Chinese arrivals present a puzzle. Contesting Chineseness: Nationality, Class, Gender and New Chinese Migrants investigates this puzzle and details how ethnic Chinese subjects negotiate their identities in an age of contemporary Chinese migration and Chinas ascent.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Nearly eleven million Chinese migrants reside outside of China, marking a significant presence in the global landscape. While many of these individuals are part of China's globalization journey, their destinations vary widely. Some opt for popular Western destinations like the United States, Australia, and Canada, attracted by the promise of economic opportunities and a Western lifestyle. On the other hand, others are drawn to the thriving Asian economies, such as Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.

It's noteworthy that the majority of these contemporary Chinese migrants are wealthier and more educated compared to their predecessors before 1949. Their motivations extend beyond mere economic survival, encompassing a range of concerns such as social status, cultural preservation, and loyalty to the communist regime. This shift in demographics has led to a more diverse and complex landscape of Chinese migration.

However, the reception of new Chinese migrants has not always been warm and welcoming in all places. In Singapore, for instance, tensions exist between Singaporean-Chinese and new Chinese arrivals, despite sharing similarities in phenotype, ancestry, and customs. This puzzle has prompted researchers to delve into the complexities of Contesting Chineseness: Nationality, Class, Gender, and New Chinese Migrants.

Drawing on rich empirical data from ethnography and digital ethnography, this book investigates the origins and dynamics of these tensions. It explores how ethnic Chinese subjects navigate their identities in an age of contemporary Chinese migration and China's ascendance on the global stage. The authors examine the various factors that contribute to these tensions, including historical legacies, economic disparities, cultural clashes, and government policies.

Through their comprehensive analysis, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between nationality, class, gender, and new Chinese migrants. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that these individuals face as they strive to establish themselves in their new environments while maintaining their cultural heritage and affiliations. Contesting Chineseness provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of Chinese migration and its impact on societies around the world.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463722469