Nineteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

This paper presents a study that explores the complex links between media consumption patterns and the transformation of cultural identities within diaspora groups, with a particular focus on Sunni Turkish families. Using a methodology rooted in ethnographic research, the study unravels the multiple contexts in which cultural transformations take place. The research spans the transnational dimensions of the media, illustrating their profound influence on the construction and reformation of cultural identities. Focusing on the often overlooked conservative Sunni Turkish population in the UK, the study addresses the challenges faced by this ‘invisible community’. Through year-long ethnographic case studies in the homes of Sunni Turkish families in North London, the research sheds light on the nuanced relationship between communication technologies, domestic life and the formation of cultural identities, gender relations and power dynamics. A novel concept, ‘visually imagined identities’, is introduced to highlight the role of media consumption as a platform for transnational cultural representation. Challenging prevailing assumptions about the impact of transnational media on cultural belonging, the study identifies a dynamic and significant facet of private life that is actively engaged with by the Sunni Turkish diaspora. By exploring how individuals navigate the dual nature of cultural discourses within the global media landscape, the study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics of cultural identity. The paper outlines the methodology, research focus and key findings and provides a basis for further discussion on the intersections of media, identity and diaspora experiences.