Migration, Diasporas, and Social Mobilization: Sharon M. Quinsaat's Lecture
On December 5, Rīgas Stradiņš University hosted a guest lecture as part of the seminar series Theoretical and Methodological Issues, featuring Associate Professor Sharon M. Quinsaat from Grinnell College. Professor Quinsaat is a sociologist specializing in the study of migration and social movements. Her research has been published in prestigious academic journals, and in 2024, she released her book Insurgent Communities: How Protests Create a Filipino Diaspora.
During the lecture, Professor Quinsaat shared her research on how migrant communities form and consolidate, focusing particularly on the Filipino diaspora in various parts of the world. She emphasized that migration alone is not sufficient to create a strong diaspora—this process involves the construction of a collective identity, which often arises during political and social conflicts.
Diaspora Formation: More Than Just Migration
In her lecture, Professor Quinsaat explained that diasporas do not emerge solely as a result of people moving from one country to another. To establish a stable diaspora, a shared identity is required, based on solidarity, loyalty to the homeland, and a common historical narrative. She emphasized that this identity often becomes visible and solidifies during social and political upheavals. As an example, she highlighted the Filipino diaspora, which has historically been very active in political mobilization. Filipino communities in various countries have participated in protests against authoritarian regimes in the Philippines, and these protests have played a crucial role in shaping their diaspora identity.
Protests as a Means of Strengthening Diaspora Identity
Professor Quinsaat focused on transnational activism and its role in diaspora formation. She explained that migrants become a diaspora not only by maintaining ties with their homeland but also by actively engaging in its political and social affairs. One of the most striking examples is the involvement of Filipino communities in the movement against Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorship in the 1970s and 1980s. Filipino activists living in the US and Europe not only organized protests but also worked to internationalize and challenge the legitimacy of the Philippine government. One of the strategies they employed was organizing an international tribunal simulation, in which the Marcos regime was symbolically convicted of human rights violations.
Building Collective Identity in Everyday Life
In addition to political activism, Professor Quinsaat emphasized everyday practices as a crucial aspect of diaspora formation. She noted that community-building does not only occur through large-scale protests—it also develops through daily interactions, celebrations, and mutual support. As an example, she mentioned how Filipinos abroad frequently organize events that strengthen their sense of belonging—such as celebrating traditional festivals or establishing mutual aid funds to support relatives living in the Philippines.
Conclusion: The Evolving Nature of Diasporas and Identities
Concluding her lecture, Professor Quinsaat noted that diasporas are not static. They form, evolve, and change depending on migration flows, political events, and the initiatives of the migrants themselves. She encouraged the audience to consider how identities are constructed and maintained in different social contexts.
