Pacific Diaspora Notes

Pacific Diaspora Overview

• Definition of Diaspora: Movement, orientation to homeland, and maintenance of connections (Brubaker, 2005).
• Diaspora networks: Groups engaged economically and socially in both destination and source countries (OECD, 2007).

9 Strands of Diasporic Rope (Cohen, 2022)

1. Dispersal: Movement of peoples.
2. Expansion: Search for a better life, trade, or colonial ambitions.
3. Retention: Adapting cultural practices for wellbeing.
4. Idealisation: Remembrance and protection of homeland.
5. Return: Reciprocity and ongoing connection.
6. Distinctiveness: Strong ethnic group consciousness.
7. Apprehension: Uneasy relationship with host societies.
8. Creativity: Enrichment and innovation in host countries.
9. Solidarity: Collective action and belonging.

Population Statistics

• 2023 Census: 443,632 identify as Pacific peoples in NZ (8.9% of population).
• 2021: 337,000 Pacific peoples in Australia (1.3%).
• 2023: 1.6 million Pacific peoples in the US (0.49%).

Functions of Social Media in Diaspora Networks

• Maintains existing connections and builds new ones.
• Supports (re)connection and preservation of ancestral ties.
• Facilitates networks around shared interests.
• Serves as a platform for collective action advocacy.