Bianca Kemp

Abstract

This work explores the construction of ethnicity among the Lebanese-Argentine population of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Although exact figures for the Lebanese population of Argentina are unknown, estimates hover around one and a half million (the national census does not require specification of ethnicity). The majority of these third-, fourth- and fifth-generation Lebanese-Argentines are descendents of early Syro-Lebanese immigrants. These migrants from Greater Syria culturally assimilated to their new “home” at the insistence of the Argentine government and xenophobic elite of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Consequently, constructing a Lebanese-Argentine ethnic identity today means doing so when distance and passing time mean a cultural chasm between Lebanon and Buenos Aires. Just how do those of Lebanese heritage in Buenos Aires do it then? Some of them do not. The thesis argues that Lebanese-Argentine ethnic identity is non-essential. However, if and when descendants of Lebanese heritage do decide to construct a hybrid Lebanese ethnic identity in Buenos Aires, it is a simulation of what it means to be Lebanese. More explicitly, members of the Lebanese-Argentine ethnic group reference and express ethnic emblems germane to Lebanese ethnicity according to their understanding of Lebanese-ness. And the implications are profound. Those Lebanese-Argentines who subscribe to a Lebanese ethnic identity join an imagined global Lebanese ethnic community, one which has the potential to supersede national borders and influence the course of international politics.

Department

Middle East Studies Center

Degree Name

MA in Middle East Studies

Graduation Date

6-1-2013

Submission Date

January 2013

First Advisor

Saad, Reem

Committee Member 1

Rouchdy, Malak

Committee Member 2

Kholoussy, Han

Extent

117 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Arabs -- Argenti -- History.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Arabs -- Ethnic identity.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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