Belonging During a Global Crisis - A qualitative study on Brazilian migrants in Portugal during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This article analyzes Brazilian migrants' sense of belonging in their country of origin, in Portugal the host country, and the diaspora community during Covid-19 and if these belongings effect the decision to stay or return. The study reveals that this specific group's sense of belonging is connected to their dual social locations as marginalized and privileged. Through Yuval Davis (2006) analytical framework on belonging this study finds that this group's sense of belonging is more affected by the colonial past than the pandemic, which makes them find community through cosmopolitanism and a strong connection to their country of origin. Their privileged social location in the form of well educated, white, and their social networks lay as a base for their decision to stay in the host country.