The polysemy of solidarity in migrant transnational engagements: synergies of in-Kind and social remittances from Uruguayans in Norway

Abstract

What is the meaning of “solidarity” among emigrants? Does it carry political connotations? Is it related to remittance practices? This study addresses these questions for the case of Hjelpemidelfondet, an association formed by Uruguayans in Norway. I argue that solidarity as a value is a pervasive and constantly evolving concept that connects an array of transnational endeavours concerned with the well-being of others back home and/or in other countries. As a practice, solidarity takes different forms, depending in part on personal migrant trajectories, critical conjunctures that prompted departures, as well as conditions in host and home societies. For the understudied but illuminating Uruguayan case, solidarity is inextricably linked to multidirectional remittance practices that often foster inter- and intra-diaspora collaborations. Although increasingly detached from partisan politics, emigrant solidarity remains political. In exploring solidarity as a concept and practice, this study sheds new light on the multidimensional character and impact of intertwined remittances.