Intergenerational Transmission of Motivations for Collective Action
This study explores the motivational factors shaping the intergenerational transmission of collective action and political identity within the Kurdish diaspora in Switzerland.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Social Work
- Institute(s) Institute for Social and Cultural Diversity
- Funding organisation SNSF
- Duration (planned) 01.07.2023 - 30.06.2025
- Head of project Dr. Orhan Kaya
- Keywords Intergenerationality, collective action, kurdish diaspora
Situation
Switzerland has historically hosted various immigrants from different countries, shaping the country’s social fabric over time. Among these groups, Kurds stand out as a community that has migrated to Switzerland for decades and holds a significant demographic presence. Political instability, conflicts, and cultural repression in their homelands—Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey—have been key drivers of migration of Kurdish people. As a result, Kurds have sought refuge in Switzerland not only for economic reasons but also due to political and cultural pressures. The Kurdish diaspora in Switzerland is among the most politically active communities. The ethnic, cultural, and political repression they have faced in their homelands has fostered a strong sense of collective identity, leading to well-organized diaspora networks. In Switzerland, Kurds have been deeply engaged in political activism, cultural preservation, and intergenerational solidarity, making them a vital part of broader diaspora movements. Through associations, cultural events, and political activities, Kurds strive to maintain their identity and amplify their voices on the international stage. This activism directly influences integration processes, making Switzerland’s multicultural landscape even more visible. The political and cultural engagement of the Kurdish diaspora strengthens community solidarity while also challenging the migration policies in Switzerland.
Course of action
This study is based on semi-structured interviews with Kurdish groups who have migrated to Switzerland from four different regions (Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey). The interviews provide an in-depth examination of the historical process of Kurdish migration, which has been ongoing for approximately 50 years, and the collective action dynamics that have emerged during this period. The study focuses particularly on intergenerational relationships, the transmission of political identity across generations, and the collective action practices within the diaspora. Participants' migration experiences, perceptions of political identity, and solidarity mechanisms within their community were evaluated using thematic analysis, thus providing a deeper understanding of the impact of the Kurdish diaspora on the socio-political structure of Switzerland. The findings of this study reveal how the Kurdish diaspora has shaped itself in Switzerland, the roles different generations have played in this process, and how political identity has been transmitted across generations. Additionally, the study sheds light on how the collective memory of Kurds within the diaspora has been constructed and how this memory interacts with the social and political structures in Switzerland.
Result
This study examines intergenerational relationships among individuals who have migrated to Switzerland or were born and raised there over four generations. Specifically, it was observed that family dynamics play a central role in the intergenerational transmission of collective action and political attitudes. Additionally, the use of the native language and its teaching to subsequent generations has been found to be an important factor in the transmission of culture and attitudes across generations. Another key finding of the study is the importance of diaspora organization—such as the establishment of associations, foundations, and the organization of various festivals, memorial events, and meetings—in strengthening cultural and political unity within the diaspora. Finally, the active use of Kurdish written and visual media has been identified as a decisive factor in the intergenerational transmission of political attitudes and collective action processes within the Kurdish diaspora.
