Ismailis in Canada: Locations of subjectivity

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" Ismailis in Canada: Locations of subjectivity "
Kim C. Matthews

Document Type	:	Latin Dissertation
Language of Document	:	English
Record Number	:	52728
Doc. No	:	TL22682
Call number	:	‭NR36090‬
Main Entry	:	Kim C. Matthews
Title & Author	:	Ismailis in Canada: Locations of subjectivity\ Kim C. Matthews
College	:	McMaster University (Canada)
Date	:	2007
Degree	:	Ph.D.
student score	:	2007
Page No	:	147
Abstract	:	A critical analysis of the concepts of Diaspora, transnationalism and cosmopolitanism is undertaken through the consideration of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims of Indian origin residing in Quebéc and Ontario. The methodology employed includes a comprehensive qualitative study which involves semi-structured interviews with forty respondents, as well as fieldwork observation at various Ismaili events. The findings of this dissertation underline the theoretical limitations of the concept of Diaspora when considering settled immigrant populations. The complexity of origins and homeland for the respondents challenge conventional understandings of Diaspora. Their ability to integrate into Canadian society has led to a sense of belonging and identity which encompasses being a Canadian. Their transnational practices pale in comparison to their activities in Canada. Their transnationalism is first and foremost at a symbolic level as members of the global Ismaili community. The importance of their religious identity cannot be overstated. Significantly, the results of the research suggest that the respondents are cosmopolitans, and that the anchor for their cosmopolitanism is their religious identity. This finding challenges conventional understandings of cosmopolitanism because one would normally expect such a world view to be divorced of national, religious or ethnic affiliations. The formation of the cosmopolitan ethic is predicated not only on their religious identity, but was fostered by their experiences in the colonial contexts in which they have lived. They were middleman minorities in these colonial contexts and the skills they acquired have facilitated their lives in Canada. The respondents continue to be in a middleman minority position vis-à-vis Muslims from other sects and the West, as well as between Anglo-Saxon Anglophones and the Francophone majority in Québec. Importantly, adjusting to life in Canada, within and outside of their community, has furthered their cosmopolitan sensibilities. Multiculturalism policies in Canada have played a role in this occurrence.
Subject	:	Social sciences; Cosmopolitanism; Diaspora; Ismailis; Religious identity; Transnationalism; Ethnic studies; 0631:Ethnic studies
Added Entry	:	McMaster University (Canada)