Transnational social support from a postcolonial perspective

Abstract

In researching current transnational phenomena and processes, Glick Schiller (2005) states that it is important to look at global inequalities and consider dimensions of power relations in order to inform a “new theory of society” (p. 439). Focusing on social support in a transnational context, we argue that a postcolonial perspective offers adequate theoretical tools in this respect. When speaking of transnational social support, we refer to a research focus on social processes that protect and support people in coping with a variety of difficult or burdensome situations that are not limited to national boundaries or local contexts (Chambon, Schröer, & Schweppe, 2012, p. 1). Since the perspective on transnational social support emerged from and is intertwined with research on social work in transnational settings, 1we refer to selected contributions from social work for our argument. To date, postcolonial perspectives have been rarely used in the analysis of power imbalances and inequalities inherent in social support across national boundaries. Castro Varela and Dhawan (2005) point out a difficulty with postcolonial theory: “Despite all attempts at clarification, the term ‘postcolonial’ remains imprecise and highly debated” (translated by authors) (p. 23). Therefore, we will define central aspects of postcolonial theory that we use in order to illustrate its benefits for research on transnational social support. Postcolonial scholars do not consider colonialism as a process that can be ascribed only to the past, but focus on both continuities and discontinuities of colonialism as policy and practice that continue today. Postcolonial studies include historical and current forms of colonialism and neo-colonialism, as well as different forms of resistance to colonialism and processes of decolonization (Abrahamsen, 2003; Castro Varela & Dhawan, 2005, p. 24; 2010). Historical legacies are viewed quite differently from a postcolonial rather than from a transnational perspective. Within postcolonial perspectives a historical sensitivity is always implicit; however, that does not mean that research is focused on historical analyses. Scholars claim to acknowledge that historical processes impact current processes or discourses and still influence current power imbalances. Within research on transnationalism as well as on transnational social support, historical perspectives have tended to be limited to historical analyses. We suggest applying a postcolonial perspective within research on transnational social support, to identify, describe, and explain persisting power relations and thus throw light on the relevant historical contexts of current transnational phenomena.