Diaspora Space-Time: Transformations of a Chinese Emigrant Community

Diaspora Space-Time explores how Shenzhen's former emigrant community and its members are reimagining their relationships with their diaspora in light of China's economic global ascendancy and the changing dynamics of emigration.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Diaspora Space-Time explores the transformative journey of Pine Mansion, a former emigrant community in Shenzhen, as it navigates its evolving relationship with its diverse diaspora across the globe. For over a century, residents of Shenzhen's villages have embarked on migrations to Southeast Asia, the Pacific, North and South America, and Europe. However, with China's remarkable economic rise, these villages have undergone a significant transformation. They no longer rely on their wealthy overseas relatives, as they have become integral parts of the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen, symbolizing China's ascendancy on the global stage.

Traditionally, lineage ties have played a pivotal role in determining migration destinations and facilitating donations for village projects. Following China's reopening, Shenzhen's villagers have harnessed the power of the diaspora to participate in the city's thriving economy and safeguard their cultural heritage against government plans. The decline in overseas financial contributions and the shifting dynamics of diasporic relations have prompted Anne-Christine Trémon to examine how emigration is being reimagined in the context of China's changing global position. Through her insightful analysis, Trémon offers a fresh perspective on Chinese globalization and the intricate politics of scale-making, shedding light on the complex interplay between migration, identity, and the evolving dynamics of global power relations.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501767951