Small‐scale transnationalism: homeland connections and the Polish ‘community’ in Leicester

Abstract The concept of an implicitly national territory has an important influence on both the construction and maintenance of diasporic national identity and migrant transnational consciousness. Based on evidence collected through 31 in‐depth interviews, this article considers the homeland relationship and the transnational activities of a small and settled migrant group, namely the Polish community in Leicester. Taking these interviews as its base, and situating them within wider debates surrounding transnationalism, it concentrates on three key themes. Firstly, the nature of the break with the homeland is analysed to demonstrate how forced migration can foster a protective attitude towards the national territory from exile. Secondly, the differing types of participation within established transnational networks with Poland are outlined as evidence supporting the notion of ‘small‐scale transnationalism’. Finally, the concept of transnationalism itself is evaluated, highlighting its often exclusive characteristics, and debating the importance of memories and emotional ties as transnational connections. The overall findings of the research are two‐fold: that transnational activism is a highly personalised experience, ranging widely in form and intensity; and that the homeland territory continues to exert a powerful influence over migrant identity, providing strong ties to the native country which, although not immediately obvious or visible, are important nevertheless. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.