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: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
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 presence of Bangladeshi communities 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 diaspora and social media on Bangladeshi connections, 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 Bangladeshi society and culture. The second chapter explores the economic advantages of migration, highlighting how Bangladeshi migrants have contributed to the economic development of their communities and beyond. It also challenges traditional sociological models of globalization and emphasizes the role of agency and individual choices in shaping migration trajectories.

The third chapter delves into the presence of Bangladeshi communities known as "Little Bangladesh." It explores the social, cultural, and economic dynamics of these communities, highlighting their contributions to American society and the challenges they face in maintaining their identities and traditions. The fourth chapter focuses on oral histories of settlement and incoming migrants, providing a firsthand account of the experiences and challenges faced by Bangladeshi immigrants in their journey to the United States. It sheds light on the complexities of language barriers, cultural adaptation, and the search for belonging in a new land.

The fifth chapter explores imagined homelands in California, examining how Bangladeshi migrants create and maintain connections to their homeland through various means, such as religious practices, cultural events, and social media. It also explores the tensions and conflicts that arise between the desire to maintain cultural heritage and the demands of assimilation into American society.

Throughout the book, the authors employ a multi-sited ethnographic approach, drawing from 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 documents transnational ties that migrants retain, the aspirations and anxieties they face, and the challenges they encounter in navigating the complexities of economic opportunity, security, and social integration.

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 advantages of migration, the presence of Bangladeshi communities, the experiences of settlement and incoming migrants, the complexities of emigration and immigration, the role of transnationalism, and the challenges of being a Muslim in the USA. The book will interest scholars and researchers who are interested in diaspora studies, migration studies, South Asian studies, political sociology, social anthropology, sociology, and political studies, as well as those who are interested in Bangladesh and its complex relationship with the global world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367765927