German Migrants in Montreal : Uses and Meanings of an Ethnic Category

The author describes and analyzes the uses and meanings of a German categorical identity among German migrants in Montreal. Rather than limiting himself to a mere description of an ethnic group, he questions the identity's very existence by exploring when and if, how and by whom a German categorical identity is ascribed and enacted. The author examines if being German is at all relevant for German migrants in Montreal and, if so, in which periods of time, locations and social contexts it has relevance. He explores different interpretations and experiences of the category by various individuals who might be labeled "German", and analyzes its impacts on the mobilization, circumvention or rejection of the category or particular versions of it. The author investigates these similarities and differences in meanings and practices and their relationship to other forms of identification such as linguistic, national, regional, and generational forms of affiliation and German migrants' local and transnational ties, practices and attitudes. The author concludes that the mobilization of a German categorical identity is considerably limited by obstacles and barriers arising from important variations in its use and meaning among German migrants in Montreal.

Master's Thesis

Concordia University

Montreal

2011

viii-215p.

en