Diversities, Continuities and Discontinuities of Tradition in the Contemporary Sikh Diaspora: Gender and Social Dimensions

Abstract

The 2 million strong Sikh Punjabi diaspora, now predominantly located in the rich countries of the West, emerged during the colonial and postcolonial period spanning over 145 years. As a diaspora, it exhibits all the diversity and heterogeneity expected in any diasporan community. Thus, periods of migration and settlement, economic and political status, class, caste, gender, religion and locality define the heterogeneity within the Sikh Punjabi diaspora. In fact, it may be more accurate to state that there are many Sikh diasporas. This heterogeneity and diversity generates inter-generational tensions, discourses on nature of diaspora identities and modes of engagements with the homeland. Needless to say, conflicts over tradition to be transmitted, extent to which it is adapted or reinvented generates continuities but also discontinuities, demonstrating considerable diversity in the lived experiences and practices of diasporan Sikhs. This paper explores several community tensions, which have risen to the fore in recent years, especially as they pertain to family life and gender relations. The latter sections of the paper examines different narratives on the position of Sikh women in the domestic and workplace domains, role of education and social mobility, challenges posed by transnational marriages and rise in domestic violence.