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This paper is about the inhabitants of a small village in Bangladesh, which lies on the border with the Indian state of Assam. Due to an Indo-Bangladesh agreement, inhabitants are confronted with losing their agricultural lands. In addition, since 2010, the Border Security Force of India (BSF) impedes residents in approaching their gardens, an action that has led to repeated confrontations between the BSF and the villagers. Both threats instigate high levels of fear among the residents. However, their hopes are also high. How can we explain equally high levels of fear and hope among the residents? I suggest that the simultaneous surfacing of fear and hope sheds light on “bipolar” state practices on the ground (i.e., at the same time targeting and protecting lives), as well as the entanglement of the existential and the political (i.e., vulnerability and a demand for recognition) in the everyday lives of the residents.
To belong often involves the performance of burdensome obligations, the sacrifice or suppression of personal desires for the collective good and the demand for demonstrating lifelong loyalty. Belonging may also entail hidden threats, risks and pressures that lurk in the corners of familiarity. These are the key aspects that The Price of Belonging explores in detail by bringing together nine original ethnographic case studies from across Asia and the Asian diaspora. By shedding light on the adverse facets of belonging, the book challenges its overly idealistic depictions and offers a differentiated look at this social practice.
To belong often involves the performance of burdensome obligations, the sacrifice or suppression of personal desires for the collective good and the demand for demonstrating lifelong loyalty. Belonging may also entail hidden threats, risks and pressures that lurk in the corners of familiarity. These are the key aspects that The Price of Belonging explores in detail by bringing together nine original ethnographic case studies from across Asia and the Asian diaspora. By shedding light on the adverse facets of belonging, the book challenges its overly idealistic depictions and offers a differentiated look at this social practice.