West Indian immigrants in the San Francisco Bay area: Identity, community & the economic crisis

Abstract

Over the years a lot of attention has been paid to Caribbean immigrants in New York City. In this thesis the research focus moves from the East coast to the West coast, and takes a closer look at the experiences of West Indian immigrants living in a quite different location: San Francisco and the Bay area. The research is mostly concerned with their identity, community and how these are affected by the economic crisis that manifested itself in 2008. Through interviews with 21 West Indian immigrants one gets a better understanding of how they see themselves and what makes them different from other groups in the US. Their connections to their background, their social relations and ties to other West Indians matter a great deal to them, and this also shows in their concern with the (lack of a) West Indian community in the area. The crisis might be a complicating factor, reinforcing a process of declining activity and participation already taking place, together with difficulties involving the younger generation.