Methods, Theory and Issues Regarding Hope in the Indian Hindu and Christian Diaspora in Chicago
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Durham E-Theses Hope as a Journey: An Ethnographic Study of the Phenomenon of Hope as Experienced by Hindu and Christian Members of the Indian Diaspora in the Metropolitan Chicago Area HOWARD, JAMIE,LEE How to cite: HOWARD, JAMIE,LEE (2020) Hope as a Journey: An Ethnographic Study of the Phenomenon of Hope as Experienced by Hindu and Christian Members of the Indian Diaspora in the Metropolitan Chicago Area , Durham theses, Durham University. 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Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk 2 Hope as a Journey: An Ethnographic Study of the Phenomenon of Hope as Experienced by Hindu and Christian Members of the Indian Diaspora in the Metropolitan Chicago Area Jamie Howard Abstract: This research explores hope in the lives of Indian diaspora in the US. through the ethnographic lens of qualitative research. Using participant observation, visual methods and interviewing, an 18-month study was focused on the experience of hope in the lives and reflections of Hindu and Christian Indian diaspora in and around Chicago. Through this research, this ethnographic data portrays hope as a journey over a chasm where vectors of influence converge and must be negotiated. The ethnographic accounts of hope in the lives of the Hindu and Christian diaspora suggest three main foci of hope in the population studied: the hope to be accepted, the hope to make a contribution and the hope to be true to oneself. Through the ethnographic narratives explored in three thematic chapters, this study presents new data and analyses on the roles of women in transmitting cultural and religious tradition to the next generation, on South Asian Christians in the US diaspora, and it offers “close attention” to the Indian diaspora as called for in recent literature on South Asian Diaspora. Hope as a Journey An Ethnographic Study of the Phenomenon of Hope as Experienced by Hindu and Christian Members of the Indian Diaspora in the Metropolitan Chicago Area Jamie Howard Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Theology and Religion Durham University 2020 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1 Aim of Study ................................................................................................................................................... 14 Main Argument .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Limitations of the Scope of this Research .......................................................................................... 17 Content Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 18 CHAPTER TWO: Methods, Theory and Issues Regarding Hope in the Indian Hindu and Christian Diaspora in Chicago .................................................................... 22 Methods Employed: Photo Elicitation Interviews and Participant Observation ...... 22 Visual Methods Overview ......................................................................................................................... 22 Challenges in Method ................................................................................................................................. 37 Intentional Reflexivity ................................................................................................................................ 44 Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................................... 44 A Review of Relevant Research on Hope from Several Disciplines ........................................ 44 Theoretical Synthesis and Application ............................................................................................... 57 Key Issues Regarding Hope in the Diaspora ......................................................................... 58 Chapter Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 60 CHAPTER THREE: Diasporic Context ....................................................................................... 62 Trends in Migration and Diaspora Defined ....................................................................................... 63 Recent Literature on South Asian Diaspora ...................................................................................... 65 “Indian” Diaspora ......................................................................................................................................... 69 The Indian Diaspora Worldwide ........................................................................................................... 77 Indian Diaspora History and Trends in the USA ............................................................................. 81 ii Religious Affiliations in the Indian Diaspora .................................................................................... 86 Assimilation into the US ............................................................................................................................ 90 Indian Diaspora in Chicago ...................................................................................................................... 99 Specific Settings Described .................................................................................................................... 108 Chapter Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 117 CHAPTER FOUR: The Hope to be Accepted .......................................................................... 118 “Deepa” ........................................................................................................................................................... 119 An Indian Christian Congregation (“ICC”) ....................................................................................... 128 “Rupa” .............................................................................................................................................................. 141 “Jyoti” ............................................................................................................................................................... 149 “Dave” .............................................................................................................................................................. 158 Chapter conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 161 CHAPTER FIVE: Hope to Make a Contribution .................................................................... 163 Local Walking Club .................................................................................................................................... 168 The Valentine’s Ball and “Shanta” ....................................................................................................... 180 Community Center and “Anil ji” ........................................................................................................... 192 Susan and Joseph at a Conservative South Indian Christian Congregation ...................... 210 Chapter Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 225 CHAPTER SIX: The Hope to be True to Oneself .................................................................. 227 “Nitara” ........................................................................................................................................................... 232 “Ruth” .............................................................................................................................................................. 240 “Lukose and Lissy” ..................................................................................................................................... 254 A Hindu Temple Tour Guide .................................................................................................................. 264 “Aahana” ......................................................................................................................................................... 268 Chapter Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 283 iii CHAPTER SEVEN: Conclusion ..................................................................................................