Master thesis : "Do you ever feel guilty? How Relational Emotions Affect Migration and Migration Affect Emotions and Social Roles: the Case of Latin Americans in Belgium"

Abstract

In this research, I aim to explore the question: to what extent does guilt, particularly in connection with other relational emotions, shape migrants’ experiences and choices at different stages of the migration process? To better answer the research question, I will include two supplementary questions in the analysis part: How do emotions, particularly guilt, connected to imaginaries, gender, and social roles influence migration? And How does migration affect emotions, and perhaps challenge imaginaries, gender dynamics, and social roles? I approach this through the case study of Latin American migrants living in Belgium. In my research I consider guilt, as well as all the other emotions, as relational, meaning that emotions do not exist solely within a person but they are social, shaped by other people, their expectations and social roles. Guilt, in particular, is an emotion caused by perceived wrongdoing or inaction, that causes a long-lasting state of discomfort. While it is difficult, and perhaps even limiting, to study a single emotion, guilt offers a productive entry point into understanding the broader emotional dimensions of mobility. Additionally, my research tries to give space to the understanding of other emotions, their connections, similarities and differences in shaping migrants' everyday life and relations.