Assumed identities and the construction of self among the West Indian diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Abstract
In this thesis I explore the (re) construction of identity and sense of self among members of the West Indian diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area. The research took place between October 2021 and March 2022, taking the form of semi-structured interviews with people who identify as West Indian and participant observation at various West Indian establishments. My objective is to show how the cultural elements of sport, food, and music are experienced and engaged with by the members of the West Indian diaspora, and the ways in which it allows for the development and expression of a West Indian identity. This was achieved by identifying and examining the depth of engagement with the West Indian cultural elements and the way members of the community highlighted the rearticulation of their West Indianness through the socializing dynamics afforded by the cultural elements to re-create a sense of self.