Extending the Reach: Transborder Ties and Activism Amongst Armenian Diaspora Members

• In Event: 4366 - Section on Global and Transnational Sociology Refereed Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 15. Revolution and Social Change

Abstract

This study expands on sociological concepts of transborder ties through a case study of Armenian diaspora members in the United States and Canada. Building on migration scholars who note that ties to the homeland do not dissolve after an individual migrates, this paper asks the questions of if and how transborder activism can promote feelings of belongingness amongst several generations of immigrants and explores how to qualitatively measure the effectiveness of activism done by non-local individuals. This paper draws on virtual ethnographic interviews that were conducted in the span of the 2018-2019 academic year with Armenians in the diaspora. The respondents of this study hold membership ties to diaspora youth organizations, such as the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), and others are participants of Birthright Armenia, creating a diverse sample of Armenians who can speak to the experience of being in the homeland. This study is particularly important as it seeks to better understand how the Armenian 2018 Velvet Revolution was successful in being peaceful. By relying on literature that focuses on the role of globalization and technology, the responses in this study help to explain the impact of social media’s role in influencing international social movement participation. This paper intersects concepts of social theory, politics, anthropology, and technology to add to current immigration dialogue.

Author

• Inna Mirzoyan, Michigan State University