Identity markers and occupational profiles of the Lebanese Diaspora across the Americas

Abstract

Understanding how cultural identity and inherited values shape career trajectories is a key issue in diaspora studies. This study focuses on the case of the Lebanese diaspora in the Americas, its identity markers, and its narratives of identity pride. For that purpose, an online survey was conducted in 2021 with 507 individuals of Lebanese descent living in the Americas, mainly in México, followed by Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and other countries. Analysis of results shows predominant self-identification as Lebanese, as well as a very common dual pattern of pride combining their Lebanese heritage with the American country of birth or residence. Lebanese language proficiency is limited, and feelings of disconnection from their Lebanese local community is most common among those who do not understand the language. Regarding narratives of identity pride, the most frequent values highlighted are roots, culture, and family on one side, but also relational and prosocial values, which often could be associated with jobs chosen by the interviewees in professions related to business and commerce.