Author Date

2023-12-07

Degree Name

BA

Department

Anthropology

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Defense Date

2023-11-27

Publication Date

2023-12-07

First Faculty Advisor

Desiree Oliveira

First Faculty Reader

April Reber

Honors Coordinator

Rex Nielson

Keywords

brazilian identity, brazilian-american, surrogate identity

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to better understand how first-generation Brazilian immigrants to Utah’s Salt Lake and Utah Valleys perceive, preserve, and transmit their identity. With this purpose in mind, I hope to add to the previous studies and discussion of identity in the Brazilian diaspora in the United States. The study focuses on the question: How do first-generation Brazilians living in Utah and Salt Lake Valleys perceive their own identities? Additionally, it seeks to answer the following subquestions: How is identity preserved among first-generation Brazilian immigrants to Utah and Salt Lake Valleys and where and how is identity transmitted from first-generation Brazilians to second-generation Brazilians in Utah and Salt Lake Valleys? Working with local Brazilian businesses, cultural groups, families, and individuals, I collected data through a variety of ethnographic methods including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, mapping, sonic recordings, photo, video, and media usage. I then used thematic qualitative data analysis methods, finding that first-generation Brazilian immigrants to Utah and Salt Lake Valleys see themselves as Brazilian and not American-Brazilian. The results show how identity is fluid and complex, add to previous studies of Brazilian identity, and discuss the role of host communities and surrogate identities.

Download

Share

COinS