1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«In this chapter we discuss in which ways second- and third-generation descendants of Azorean immigrants living in Quebec engage in transnational practices and hence operate in transnational social spaces. We emphasize that being raised in a transnational social field (Glick Schiller et al. 1992; Levitt 2002, 2009) or within a transnational habitus (Vertovec 2010) leads to the development of an emotional attachment to an Azorean heritage. This process draws on the presence of an extended family network, dispersed between two or three countries, maintaining ties across national borders and thus favoring cultural intergenerational transmission and a multiple hybrid identity.» (p. 124)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«The research has been conducted simultaneously in the homeland of the Azores and in the receiving community of Quebec […].» (p. 127) «This sample includes twenty-six Azorean migrants and fifty-four descendants of the 1.5, second, and third generations in Quebec (mostly in the Montreal metropolitan area), as well as thirty-four return migrants and thirteen nonmigrant relatives in the Azores (São Miguel Island).» (p. 127)

Instruments :
- Guide d’entretien semi-directif
- Grille d’observation

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«We have shown that transnational spaces can persist long beyond the first generation and that descendants of immigrants can be as involved in these spaces as the original emigrating generation, although there are important differences from one individual to another. For some, transnational practices are regular, while for others, they are occasional and sporadic. However, as we have seen, the level of engagement in transnational activities can vary across the life span. Our study supports Levitt’s observations that growing up in a transnational family offers a partial explanation for the transnational practices of the second generation. As we noted, parents’ or grandparents’ involvement in transnational connections with their homeland and other geographic locations have profound effects on their children and grandchildren.» (p. 142) «Parents develop strategies for maintaining a transnational dimension to their children’s lives mainly through cultural maintenance within the family and participating in religious, cultural, social, or community events and celebrations where aspects of Portuguese culture are displayed. Some also maintain the centrality of their country of origin through frequent holiday visits, having a secondary residence in their hometown, or practicing intensive kinwork (with regular annual rituals, gatherings, meetings, or communications at distance).» (p. 142)