TY - JOUR

T1 - A sunbeam of hope

T2 - Negotiations of Identity and Belonging among Pakistanis in Denmark

AU - Nielsen, Mikkel Rytter

PY - 2010

Y1 - 2010

N2 - This article discusses how notions of identity and belonging are negotiated between generations within Pakistani families in Denmark. Presenting the case of A Sunbeam of Hope, a stage play written and performed by members of the Organisation of Pakistani Students and Academics (OPSA), I discuss how the aspirations and experiences related to the process of migration differ in the older and younger generations of Pakistanis. The play is about a migrant family that returns to Pakistan for the summer holidays and the ways in which individual family members are confronted with their relatives, their origins and their common national history. Using stereotypes as an artistic effect, the play levels a severe critique of the parental generation and expresses a strong element of self-criticism among the educated youngsters. The play is analysed in relation to the changing structure of Pakistani migrants' families, the specific historical development of OPSA and the socio-political context of Denmark in general.

AB - This article discusses how notions of identity and belonging are negotiated between generations within Pakistani families in Denmark. Presenting the case of A Sunbeam of Hope, a stage play written and performed by members of the Organisation of Pakistani Students and Academics (OPSA), I discuss how the aspirations and experiences related to the process of migration differ in the older and younger generations of Pakistanis. The play is about a migrant family that returns to Pakistan for the summer holidays and the ways in which individual family members are confronted with their relatives, their origins and their common national history. Using stereotypes as an artistic effect, the play levels a severe critique of the parental generation and expresses a strong element of self-criticism among the educated youngsters. The play is analysed in relation to the changing structure of Pakistani migrants' families, the specific historical development of OPSA and the socio-political context of Denmark in general.

U2 - 10.1080/13691830903479407

DO - 10.1080/13691830903479407

M3 - Journal article

VL - 36

SP - 599

EP - 617

JO - Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies

JF - Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies

SN - 1369-183X

IS - 4

ER -