Diasporic Condition: Ethnographic Explorations of the Lebanese in the World

Transnationality and its cultural consequences are not necessarily at odds with classic theory, as illustrated by Ghassan Hage's The Diasporic Condition. He defines a common cultural milieu that transcends spatial and temporal distance, encompassing a complicated transnational terrain. Hage's long-term ethnography takes us from Mehj and Jalleh in Lebanon to Europe, Australia, South America, and North America, analyzing how Lebanese migrants and their families have established themselves while remaining socially, economically, and politically related to Lebanon and each other. The book explores a critical anthropological question: How does the study of a particular sociocultural phenomenon expand our knowledge of modes of existing in the world?

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In his groundbreaking work, "The Diasporic Condition," Ghassan Hage skillfully bridges the gap between migration studies and the rich anthropological tradition, illuminating that transnationality and its accompanying cultural implications do not necessarily contradict classical theory. Through his profound engagement with the diasporic Lebanese community, Hage defines a shared lifeworld that transcends geographical and temporal distances, creating a collective cultural milieu known as the "diasporic condition." Spanning a complex transnational terrain, Hage's long-term ethnography takes us on a journey from Mehj and Jalleh in Lebanon to Europe, Australia, South America, and North America, exploring how Lebanese migrants and their families have established themselves in their new homes while maintaining strong social, economic, and political connections to Lebanon and to each other.

At the core of "The Diasporic Condition" lies a crucial anthropological inquiry: How does the study of a specific sociocultural phenomenon broaden our understanding of modes of existence in the world? As Hage establishes what he calls the "lenticular condition," he dismantles the boundaries between "us" and "them," "here" and "there," revealing that this convergent mode of existence is increasingly shaping the everyday lives of individuals.

Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Hage demonstrates how the diasporic experience fosters a sense of hybridity and interconnectedness, blurring the lines between different cultures and societies. He explores the complexities of identity formation, cultural adaptation, and the negotiation of multiple worlds, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the Lebanese diaspora in the face of displacement.

"The Diasporic Condition" is a seminal work that not only contributes to our understanding of migration but also expands our horizons by challenging traditional notions of belonging and identity. It offers a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives, shedding light on the ways in which individuals navigate the complexities of transnationalism and forge new paths of existence in the globalized world.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226546902