Being Dutch in Argentina: Contemporary Dutch migration to Buenos Aires

Abstract

This thesis seeks to analyze and understand how migration affects the Dutch identity of contemporary Dutch immigrants in Buenos Aires. This subject is very atypical for migration studies as the underlying motivations to migrate are personal and non-economical in nature. In this day and age migration has become easier and less definite, making it a gradual process. The Dutch immigrants in Buenos Aires all followed the integration strategy, are very individualistic and have not formed a tight Dutch community. The life phase in which the migration has taken place as well as the time spent in Argentina have some affect on national identity. The Dutch identity of the immigrants gradually starts to refer to ‘roots’, not to the contemporary Dutch society. A hint of disengagement with national identification may also occur. Nevertheless a gradual development to national identification with both the Netherlands as well as Argentina does not occur. The influence of migration to Argentina on the Dutch national identity remains very gradual and subtle. Nationality proves to still be a very strong identity.