Dissertation Proposal

Diasporic Communication and Transnational Engagement

Lessons from the Filipino Experience in London, UK
Jan Maristell A. Liamson
MA Communication University of Westminster 12/20/2010

Working Title Diasporic Communication and Transnational Engagement: Lessons from the Filipino Experience in London, UK Summary With constant changes in society due to globalization, much focus has been given to the increasing human mobility and the concept of diaspora which aptly describes the exodus of people and their movement around the globe. The concept of diaspora has evolved over the years, often described in terms of imagined communities which refer to a shared sense of identity and history, as well as absentee patriotism and long-distance nationalism (Cunningham and Sinclair, 1991). Studies also refer to the conflict between maintaining a strong identification with ones homeland and trying to blend in with the cultures of the host nation, resulting to homogeneity and hybridization. Furthermore, new media and communication technologies have also paved the way for the increase in activities and interconnectivity amongst migrants, which has been referred to as transnationalism, and this has spurred attempts to link to the development contributions of these increasing transnational activities and its impact on their homeland and host-country. The research focuses on the case of the Filipino diaspora in the United Kingdom, where there are currently around 250,000 Filipino migrants and workers. This highly qualitative and participatory study will focus on 3 Filipino organizations in London specifically, to: (1) describe and understand how Filipinos construct and perceive their identity in a foreign land and form ethnic community groups; (2) to explore and describe interpersonal communication within the group to cultivate diasporic consciousness, and in forming community goals; (3) identify and describe the use of media in mobilising and sustaining support among members; and (4) describe how these collective outcomes contribute to the development of their host country and homeland.

Scope and Limitations Currently, there are over 165 Filipino organizations in the UK. In cooperation with the Philippine embassy, three of the most active Filipino organizations in London will be chosen as respondents for the study. There will be an attempt to select groups from different types or representations (cultural, religious, regional, occupational, etc.) to get a more complete picture of the Filipino migrants Page 2 of 12 | Liamson, Jan Maristell

experience and community building strategies. Also, while it may not be possible to interview all members of the groups chosen due to time and availability constraints, best effort will be given to get a cross-section of participants in group discussions to get a holistic view of the experiences and ideas given. Documentation of past activities and achievements of the groups will be examined, though not all groups might have complete records of these.

Aims and objectives The research study aims to understand how the process of reconstructing identity of the Filipino diaspora, and how they use communication and media to form bonds that contributes to development efforts of their homeland and host-country.

Specifically, the study endeavors to: Describe and explore the expressions of diaspora and identity among members of Filipino communities; A recollection and reflection by the Filipino community members on identity (how they perceive themselves to be as a migrant in a foreign land), belongingness, culture, values, and ethnicity; an examination of the defining/ influential factors that shape the way they perceive and express themselves in the hybridization and/or acculturation process.

To explore and describe the interpersonal communication within the group to cultivate diasporic consciousness, and in forming community goals; A critical look at how and why communities and/or organizations are formed in the light of this shared identity, describing how members communicate at the interpersonal level to discuss the formation of goals, planning of activities, sharing of experiences, and taking necessary action. An analysis of the community building practices and the important elements and factors involved, highlighting best practices and what works, especially in the role of communication.

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Identify and describe how the community makes use of different media to mobilize and sustain support and participation, as well as strengthen bonds among community members; An examination of the use of different communication media to strengthen the bonds between members and an assessment of how effective they are in cultivating transnationalism, diasporic consciousness, and participation (such as use of radio, Internet, mobile phones to connect with each other)

Reflect and understand the collective outcomes of transnational engagement and its contribution to the development of the homeland and host-nation. Describing the outcomes of the transnational engagement of the groups, and how they contribute in the development of their homeland and in their host-country.

Research Questions With such aims and objectives, the research study attempts to answer the following questions: How do Filipino community members perceive and describe their identity in a foreign land? How do their values, beliefs, and world perspective change in the process of cultural hybridization? Why? How did this shared identity play a role in the formation of organizations? How were the organizations goals formed and with what motivation? What is/has been the role of communication in mobilizing participation and support in the achievement of these goals? What media were used to encourage participation and engagement in the organization? What were the challenges encountered in the community building process? How was communication and media used to address these challenges? What are the collective outcomes or results of transnational engagement in the organizations? How does this contribute to the development of their homeland and host-country?

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Review of Related Literature Exploring the concept of Diaspora As societies change and succumb to the pull of post-modernization and globalization, we are undergoing different processes and evolutions, directly affecting the way we live, what we believe in, and the future that we face. Boundaries between nations are blurred, barriers for global trade are breaking down, and a new, homogeneous culture is said to be emerging. There is an arising global consciousness and formation of a global culture (Thussu, 2000, p. 61). Moreover, there is a tremendous increase in human mobility and dispersal, which has then led to the concept of diaspora. Historically, diaspora was perceived as the dislocation from the nation-state or geographical origin and relocation to another territory (Braziel and Mannur, 2005, p.1). However, scholars have soon expanded the term to imply not just dislocation and dispersal, but also the totality of the human experience of movement, the links, affiliation, and connectivity to the homeland (Parrenas and Siu, 2007).

Anderson (1991) proposed a key component in the understanding of the evolving definition of diaspora. He argued that the concept of nation is imagined because members do not necessarily have everyday interaction, but rather, it exists in the mind because of similar interests and identifications (Anderson, 1991). This puts forward the view that people belonging to a certain nation retain their links and connectivity with their home country and, to a certain extent, a degree of patriotism and nationalism (Cunningham and Sinclair, 1991).

Diasporic Communities and the reconstruction of identity

While research on diaspora has pointed to migrants links and connectivity to their homeland, it is also necessary to point out that the concept of identity is constantly changing, being situated in a different environment. Tsagarousianou (2007) notes that separation from the homeland leads to an intense search for and negotiation of identity among diaspora communities, which implies the multiplicity of identities (cited in Mandaville, 2001, p.172). While retaining a longing for the homeland, migrants also adopt or get influenced by the culture of the host-country, and possibly many other cultures, more so for the subsequent generations from the original migrant. According to Hall (2005) identities are oftentimes a contradiction, with lots of similarities and differences at the same time. As Weedon (2004) points out: Page 5 of 12 | Liamson, Jan Maristell

Diasporic communities often display multiple and hybrid identities that draw both on relatively fixed ideas of traditional and new hybrid identities and cultural forms particularly among subsequent generations that emerge from engagement with culture and society in which the original migrants settled. (Weedon, 2004, p. 104-105)

This points out that there is an interplay of different notions of self which, ultimately, describes the hybridization of identity and culture.

Other thinkers, such as Castells (2009) proposed another perspective in thinking about identities. He believed that social and cultural factors serve as building blocks for the construction of a plurality of identities. According to him, there are three forms and origins of building identities: (1) Legitimizing identity, which puts a distinct label and structure; (2) Resistance Identity, a collective attempt to resist oppression which results into building of communities; and (3) Project Identity, wherein new identities are built to create a new position or label in society.

With this background in mind, we can see the concept of diaspora expanding and implying far greater phenomena which includes the search and construction of identity, the links to the homeland, hybridization, and collective identity. There have been previous attempts by scholars to put a prescriptive or definitive view of diaspora; however, this has been criticized. According to Tsagarousianou (1997), it served as a weakness as it attempts to constitute a snapshot of a complex and emerging process (p.56). She points out that modern human mobility factors were discarded in the analysis of the concept, which are contrary to the previous backwards view of diaspora. She argues that diasporic identity can often draw much more on the experience of migrancy and settlement, of making a home than on a fixation to a homeland (Tsagarousianou, 2004, p. 58).

Transnationalism and New Media and Communication Technologies

In the context of globalization and emerging diaspora, the concept of transnationalism is often vague and not described in concrete terms. According to Glick Schiller et al (1994, 1995), transnationalism is said to be a process and experience wherein migrants establish and sustain multi-stranded social relations linking their homeland and their place of settlement (cited in Tsagarousianou, 2007). More Page 6 of 12 | Liamson, Jan Maristell

specifically, transnationalism has been described as a complex, overlapping network between migrants, referring to their connection to people from their homeland and in their place of settlement. It also includes the activities, social relations, and cultural reproduction within the said network (Vertovec, 2002). It can be surmised that migrants are proactive, dynamic, and gain diasporic consciousness arising from these transnational flows, leading to complex interconnectedness (Tsagarousianou, 2007). New communication technologies have also hastened and encouraged this process as well, strengthening the bonds and relationships formed across boundaries and nations. Recent diaspora and transnationalism studies have focused especially on the Internet, observing the link between ICTs potential to connect people around the globe and how migrants use them to connect with people from their homeland and in their newfound communities. According to Brinkerhoff (2009) who studied nine diaspora organizations, digital diasporas help form communities and help in the search for identity and in forming new bonds with people sharing the same hybrid identities. She also argues that it uplifts the migrants quality of life, benefiting both host country and the homeland. Another sociologist, Emily Ignacio (2005) studied the impact of the Internet on the Filipino diaspora, and concluded that the concept of home as a geographical place is moving into space. Migration, Development, and Transnational Engagement

The increasing transnational activities and interconnectedness of diaspora groups have posed the question of its implications and impact in the host country and homeland. Specifically, the questions arise: What kind of transnational activities do they engage in? What are the implications of the increasing transnational activities of migrants? How does it affect the development of their homeland and host country?

Present studies, however, point to remittances, the most obvious evidence of the migrants link and developmental contributions to their homeland. For instance, in the Philippines, the remittances sent by overseas Filipino workers have been increasing steadily over the years. In 2009, around USD 19 billion was remitted by overseas Filipino workers, accounting for 12% of the countrys gross domestic product; and in 2010, the remittances surged to USD 15.46 billion (Remo, 2010). Other countries such as India, China, and Mexico also have similar cases of huge remittances by overseas workers. Page 7 of 12 | Liamson, Jan Maristell

Other researchers have used other measures to describe the development potential of diasporas. A research study done by the Institute for the Study of International Migration (2005) in Georgetown University used 5Ts as a measurement of transnational activities and developmental potential: (1) remittance transfers, (2) tourism, (3) transportation, (4) telecommunication, and (5) nostalgic trade (Georgetown University, 2005).

According to the International Organization for Migration (2007), however, there is a research gap on the determinants of transnational engagement - how diasporas contribute to development and what makes diasporic groups contribute. Furthermore, they believe that the key to engaging diasporas is to understand how they are formed, determine the internal workings within the diasporas, and degree of consciousness with regard to the homeland, and actors involved in the establishment of links and directions of action (p. 200).

Filipino Overseas Profile

The Philippines places 9th in the worldwide count of overseas nationals (Manila Bulletin, 2010). As of 2007, there was an estimated 8.7 to 11 million Filipinos abroad, and an average of three thousand more leave the country every day, common reason of which is economic (Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, 2007). Further literature published by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency states that the Middle East, US, Canada, and the United Kingdom are amongst the top destination of Filipinos leaving the country. Most Filipino workers leaving the country are between the ages of 25 to 29, according to the Philippine National Statistics Office data as of 2009, at 24.8%. Filipinos in the UK

Filipinos comprise a sizeable slice in the population of the United Kingdom. According to data from the Philippine embassy in London, there are about 250,000 Filipinos in the United Kingdom, 70% of which are in the Greater London area. Information from the embassy also states that Filipinos in the UK are engaged in a variety of sectors, usually in the healthcare sector and information technology field.

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A study on the Filipino profile and organisation in Britain was carried out by Llangco (2008). It showed that in a span of 32 years, a total of 84,662 Filipinos are accepted for settlement in the UK, and over the last 47 years, 53,851 Filipinos acquired British citizenship (Llangco, 2008). He also noted that in 2010, there are 165 Filipino organizations in the UK registered in the Philippine embassy in London. Data from the Philippine Embassy in London also states that there are five (5) widely-circulated Filipino community publications: Filipino International, Philippine Express International, Filipino Observer and Planet Philippines, and Euro Filipino Journal.

With this literature as background, the study will attempt to understand the role of communication in the formation of diasporic groups, describe how individuals search for identities and build communities, and search for best practices while describing the impact of the transnational engagement and collective efforts for development of the host-country and the homeland.

Methodology The nature of the proposed research study is highly qualitative and focuses on the case of Filipino communities experience in London. The research study tackles personal perceptions, group dynamics, and values, and such of Filipino community members an in-depth investigation on the reconstruction of identity and communication in community building approaches.

Given the nature of the study, the main and underlying methodological approach to be used is participatory in approach. According to an e-journal article authored by Cornwall and Jewkes (1995): Participatory research focuses on a process of sequential reflection and action, carried out with and by local people rather than on them. Local knowledge and perspectives are not only acknowledged but form the basis for research and planning. Many of the methods used in participatory research are drawn from mainstream disciplines and conventional research itself involves varying degrees of participation. The key difference between participatory and conventional methodologies lies in the location of power in the research process.

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With this in mind, a combination of methods and approaches will be used to address the research questions: Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), personal interviews with community members, leaders, and experts, and participant observation (researcher will join community activities). Community members and the researcher will build on the knowledge together and analyze the outcomes in every step of the study.

Provisional Work Schedule Research Schedule Stages 2010 Dec Literature Review Research Proposal Approaching the community and forming partnerships Data Collection Data Analysis Further Literature review Results and Findings Completing and Revising Jan Feb Mar Apr 2011 May Jun Jul Aug

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References and Indicative Bibliography Anderson, B. (1983). Imagined Communities: Reflections on the origins and spread of nationalism. London: Verso. Braziel, Jana Evans and Mannur, Anita (eds.) (2003). Theorizing Diaspora. USA: Blackwell Publishing. Brinkerhoff, Jennifer (2009). Digital Diasporas: Identity and Transnational Engagement. Cambridge University Press: New York, USA Castells, Manuel (2004). The Power of Identity. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Cornwall, Andrea and Jewkes, Rachel. (1995). What is Participatory Research?. Social Science and Medicine. 41 (12), p1667-1676 [online] Available from: Science Direct www.sciencedirect.com [Accessed 19 December 2010] Cunningham, S. and Sinclair, J. (eds.) (2000). Floating Lives: The Media and Asian Diasporas. St. Lucia, Australia: University of Queensland Press. Hall, Stuart (2003). Cultural Identity and Diaspora. In Braziel, J., and Mannur,A. (eds.) Theorizing Diaspora. USA: Blackwell Publishing. Hartley, Peter (1993). Interpersonal Communication. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. Ignacio, Emily Noelle (2005). Building Diaspora: Filipino Cultural Community Formation in the Internet. USA: Rutgers University Press. International Organization for Migration (2007). Living Across Worlds: Diaspora, Development, and Transnational Engagement. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Migration. Institute for the Study of International Migration (2005). Transnational Engagement, Remittances and their Relationship to Development in Latin America and the Carribean. Washington DC: Georgetown University. Final Report. Llangco, Mark O.S. (1998) Filipinos in Britain: Migration, Organization, Settlement, and Citizenship. [online] University of Birmingam. Available from: < http://www.ifpphil.ph/specialfeaturesarticle/pinoys-in-london-revive-kapihan-> [Accessed 19 December 2010] Lindlof, Thomas and Taylor, Bryan (2002). Qualitative Communication Research Methods. 2nd ed. USA: SAGE Publications. Manila Bulletin (2010). The Strength of the Filipino Diaspora. [online] Manila Bulletin. Available from: < http://www.mb.com.ph/node/287989/the-> [Accessed 19 December 2010] Ogan, Christine (2001). Communication and Identity in the Diaspora. Oxford, England: Lexington Books. Parrenas, Rhacel and Siu, Lok (eds.) (2007). Asian Diasporas: New Formations, New Conceptions. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press. Page 11 of 12 | Liamson, Jan Maristell

Philippine National Statistics Office. (2009). Distribution of Overseas Filipino Workers by Age Group and Sex. Available from: http://www.census.gov.ph/data/sectordata/2009/sof0903.htm. [Accessed 18 Dec 2010] Philippine Overseas Employment Agency. (2007). Overseas Employment Statistics 2007. Available from: http://www.poea.gov.ph/stats/stats2007.pdf. [Accessed 18 Dec 2010] Remo, Michelle. (2010). OFW remittances surge to $15.46B. Available from: http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/remittance/view.php?db=1&article=20101215-309158. [Accessed 18 Dec 2010] San Juan Jr., E. (2006). Filipinos Everywhere: Displaced, Transported Overseas, Moving on in the Diaspora. Quezon City, Philippines: IBON Books. Tsagarousianou, Roza (2007). Diasporic Cultures and Globalization. The Netherlands: Shaker Publishing Maastricht. Thussu, Daya Kishan (2006). International Communication. 2nd ed. London: Hodder Education. Vertovec, Steven (2002). Transnational Networks and Skilled Labour Migration. Ladenburger Diskurs Migration. 14-15 February 2002. Available from: < http://www.transcomm.ox.ac.uk/working%20papers/WPTC-02-02%20Vertovec.pdf> [Accessed 19 Decemnber 2010] Weedon, Chris (2004). Identity and Culture: Narratives of Difference and Belonging. New York, USA: Open University Press.

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