Little Bangladesh: Voices from America

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the USA, exploring themes such as economic advantages, social media, transnationalism, and the post-9/11 era. It offers ethnographic narratives and insights into the experiences of Bangladeshi migrants.

Format: Hardback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume offers a thorough exploration of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States. Drawing from case studies across Southern California, it delves into various themes, including the economic benefits of migration beyond sociological models of globalization, the Bangladeshi diaspora and its cultural enclaves known as "Little Bangladesh," oral histories of settlement and incoming migrants, imagined homelands in California, the complexities of emigration and immigration, the role of trans-business in achieving the American Dream, the impact of social media on diasporic communities, the intersection of Islam and transnationalism, and the experiences of Bangladeshi Islam in the USA. The book goes beyond mere narratives to examine the trans-global subjectivities and embodied experiences of Bangladeshi migrants as they navigate the complexities of economic opportunity, security, and challenges. It also sheds light on transnational ties that migrants maintain, the aspirations and anxieties they face, and the unique challenges of being a Muslim living in the USA in the post-9/11 era.

Organized into five chapters, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States. The first chapter, titled "Introduction," sets the stage by providing a historical overview of Bangladeshi migration to the United States and highlighting the significance of the diaspora in shaping both Bangladesh and the United States. The second chapter explores the economic advantages of migration, highlighting how Bangladeshi migrants have contributed to the economic development of Southern California through their entrepreneurship, skills, and labor. The third chapter examines the Bangladeshi diaspora and its cultural enclaves, known as "Little Bangladesh," which have emerged in various cities across the United States. It explores the social, cultural, and economic dynamics of these communities and their role in preserving Bangladeshi heritage and identity.

The fourth chapter delves into the oral histories of settlement and incoming migrants, shedding light on the experiences and challenges faced by Bangladeshi immigrants as they navigate the complexities of a new country. It explores the struggles of language acquisition, cultural adaptation, and the search for social and economic integration. The fifth chapter examines the imagined homelands in California, exploring how Bangladeshi migrants construct and negotiate their sense of belonging in a foreign land. It explores the role of nostalgia, imagination, and the media in shaping these imagined homelands and the ways in which they contribute to the construction of diasporic identities.

Throughout the book, the authors employ a multi-sited ethnographic approach, drawing on a range of sources, including interviews, surveys, and participant observation. This approach allows for a deep and nuanced understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Bangladeshi migrants and their communities. The book also includes a wealth of empirical data and analysis, providing a robust foundation for further research and scholarship in the field.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume offers a valuable contribution to the field of diaspora studies, migration studies, South Asian studies, political sociology, social anthropology, sociology, and political studies. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States, shedding light on the economic, cultural, and social dynamics that shape their experiences. The book's multi-sited ethnographic approach and rich empirical data make it an essential resource for scholars and researchers interested in diaspora studies, migration studies, South Asian studies, and the broader field of social sciences.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367721220