Identity, Transnationalism, and Belonging: A Systematic Review of Literature on Migrants’ Descendants in Destination Areas

Identity, Transnationalism, and Belonging: A Systematic Review of Literature on Migrants’ Descendants in Destination Areas | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Systematic Review Identity, Transnationalism, and Belonging: A Systematic Review of Literature on Migrants’ Descendants in Destination Areas Alberta Teye Agudey, Delali Magaret Badasu, John Kwasi Anarfi, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8563840/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This review synthesizes empirical and theoretical scholarship on migrants’ descendants in destination areas. The paper examines the interconnected themes of identity, transnationalism, and belonging through the analytical lens of Transnationalism Theory. A two-stage search strategy was used: an initial systematic review across major academic databases followed by a supplementary search using Scopus and Web of Science. In total, twenty-eight peer-reviewed studies were analysed. Findings reveal that migrants’ descendants are often mischaracterized as “second-generation” or “1.5-generation” migrants. These terminologies mostly obscure their citizenship by birth and reinforces exclusion within the host societies. Identity and belonging emerge as fluid, multidimensional constructs expressed through circular mobility, affective ties to ancestral homelands. This review suggests for a more Global South destination research, to complement existing studies on migrants’ descendants in the Global North. It calls for the creation of citizenship frameworks that are inclusive and context sensitive, recognizing descendants as citizens with transnational identities. Immigration Law Social Policy Sociology Migrants’ descendants transnationalism identity belonging destination areas second-generation diaspora engagement Figures Figure 1 1. Introduction What happens to “the America-born” whose mother is a Native American but whose father is an immigrant from Kenya? Is he Kenyan, American, both, or neither? Who can claim the striker Danny Welbeck, Ghana, or England? Where does Paul Pogba belong: Guinea or France? And whenever Anthony Joshua wins a world title, which country has the right to celebrate, Nigeria or England? These questions strike at the heart of identity, belonging, and transnational connection among migrants’ descendants in destination societies. Migration has historically been a major force in shaping nations, economies, and cultures. Migrants have consistently contributed to both their home and host countries in social, economic, and political areas (Adepoju, 2010 ; De Haas, 2010 ; Jayet, 2010 ). Increasingly, the descendants of these migrants, those born or raised in the host societies, represent the most visible and complex results of migration. Barack Obama (United States), Paul Pogba (France), Danny Welbeck (England), David Odonkor (Germany), and Anthony Joshua (Britain) exemplify the intricate interplay between heritage and citizenship, demonstrating the dynamic nature of belonging as it is continually reshaped across both national and social divides. Descendants of migrants constitute a unique social group, their identities molded by both their parents' backgrounds and the sociocultural frameworks of their countries of birth (Jain, 2010 ). This interplay give rise to questions concerning identity ( Who am I ?), belonging ( Where do I fit? ), and transnationalism ( How do I maintain cross-border connections? ). These phenomena are not merely individual experiences; they are also structural, influenced by societal norms, institutional practices that either include or exclude, and the marginal boundaries that delineate belonging (Maxwell, 2010 ). Consequently, the descendants of migrants often experience identity fragmentation, ambivalent belonging, and selective transnationalism, which are central to contemporary migration discourse. At the level of policy, nations of origin are progressively acknowledging descendants as pivotal links connecting their countries of origin with their diasporas. Initiatives like the Pan-African Intellectuals Conference held in Dakar in 2004, along with national diaspora engagement strategies (IOM, 2013), and Ghana's year of return (Akyeampong 2020 ) illustrate the institutionalization of transnational belonging (Mazrui, 2005 ). These programs are designed to encompass not only first-generation migrants but also their off-springs and subsequent generations. This helps the origin countries in recognizing their capacity for investment, the exchange of knowledge, and the practice of soft diplomacy. However, this policy-driven enthusiasm is juxtaposed with the relative scarcity of scholarly research synthesizing the perspectives of descendants regarding their own perceptions and the maintenance of transnational identities. Migration research has traditionally privileged the first generation, focusing on migration trajectories, remittances, and integration (Rumbaut & Portes, 2001 ; Portes & Zhou, 1993). While most of these studies often reflect Global North assumptions emphasizing assimilation and socioeconomic mobility in Western contexts. By contrast, descendants in Global South destinations, such as Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, remain underexplored (Agyeman, 2018; Owusu, 2020). This imbalance reproduces skewness that overlooks how histories, ethnicity, and citizenship shape belonging in origin countries. A further challenge stems from the persistent ambiguity surrounding terminology. Terms like "second-generation" or "1.5-generation migrants" inaccurately portray individuals born in the countries they inhabit, thereby reinforcing exclusionary narratives (Anthias, 2013 ). Academics contend that such terminology sustains racial hierarchies and calls into question the complete societal integration of their descendants (Crul & Schneider, 2010 ). By conceptualizing these individuals as migrants rather than citizens, they are effectively positioned as perpetual outsiders, even if they have never migrated. Furthermore, transnationalism has, in recent years, broadened its scope beyond the practices of the first generation to include digitally mediated, emotional, and symbolic connections among descendants (Levitt & Waters, 2020). These connections manifest through social media interactions, involvement in diaspora associations, and visits to ancestral homelands. For numerous descendants, transnationalism transcends mere inheritance; it constitutes an active identity endeavor that facilitates the reconciliation of diverse allegiances. Likewise, the concept of belonging is now conceptualized as multi-scalar. Such that, it is affective, encompassing attachments to individuals, locations, and imagined communities, rather than being confined to a simplistic inclusion–exclusion dichotomy (Antonsich, 2010; Yuval-Davis, 2011 ). Notwithstanding these theoretical advancements, the intersection of identity, transnationalism, and belonging within the lived experiences of migrants’ descendants remains inadequately understood. Existing research frequently exhibits a regional focus or centres on specific themes, thereby restricting its comparative utility. A thorough synthesis is essential to consolidate insights across various disciplines, geographical contexts, and generational cohorts. This review, therefore, seeks to fulfil the need for a systematic synthesis of research concerning the descendants of migrants residing in destination countries. It examines how they form and challenge their identities, how they maintain or change their connections across borders, and how they find a sense of belonging in different social and institutional settings. Drawing on studies from North America, Europe, the Gulf region, and emerging African destinations, this work aims to provide a more balanced and global understanding of migration experiences. This study seeks to move away from a focus on Global North perspectives and instead highlight the Global South. By bringing together different regional viewpoints, it offers a critical framework for inclusive and diverse citizenship that reflects the transnational realities of migrants' descendants worldwide. 2. Theoretical Foundation This analysis is informed by Transnationalism Theory, offering a robust structure for examining how migrants and their descendants in the destination countries maintain relationships across national borders. It shows how they simultaneously navigating issues of belonging and identity within the societies they inhabit. Transnationalism critiques earlier assimilationist paradigms that characterized. For migrants’ descendants, transnationalism offers a lens through which identity is understood as both relational and situational. It is inherently relational, arising from interactions with various reference points: the host society, the ancestral homeland, and the diaspora community. Furthermore, it is situational, adapting to context, audience, and social recognition. Descendants frequently exhibit what Levitt and Waters ( 2002 ) term “ second-generation transnationalism ,” which is marked by selective engagement with heritage through music, language acquisition, social media, or visits to ancestral villages. These practices do not signify a nostalgic return to origins; rather, they represent an active reconstruction of identity that integrates global and local influences. Transnationalism also clarifies belonging as a dynamic process, rather than a fixed state. Consequently, belonging encompasses more than legal citizenship or physical location, incorporating emotional, symbolic, and social connections that transcend national boundaries. Descendants of migrants may experience a partial sense of belonging in both their ancestral homeland and their current residence, yet they may not fully belong to either. Their conception of home becomes multi-local and complex, rooted in kinship and memory as much as in physical space. This dynamic frequently gives rise to hybrid forms of belonging, which challenge binary classifications like "native" and "foreign." Conversely, access to transnational belonging is not uniformly distributed. Structural disparities, ethnic demarcations, and restrictive citizenship frameworks dictate who can assert a claim to transnational space and who is relegated to exclusion. In numerous Western settings, individuals of African, Arab, or Asian descent are frequently categorized as “second-generation migrants,” a designation that undermines their complete integration and reinforces classifications (Anthias, 2013 ). In this context, transnationalism offers a crucial perspective for examining the dynamics of power and recognition in the construction of belonging's boundaries. It demonstrates that the capacity to maintain cross-border identities is simultaneously facilitated and impeded by institutional structures, policy initiatives, and prevailing discourses. In the Global South, transnationalism is understood differently, shaped by the lasting effects of history of migration. For example, in Ghana and Nigeria, the return of people from the diaspora, through heritage tourism or programs like Ghana's Year of Return, changes how transnational belonging is seen, making it both an economic and a cultural effort. Unlike the integration-focused models often seen in the Global North, these examples highlight the two-way nature of transnationalism. Countries of origin actively seek out their descendants to help with nation-building, investment, and soft diplomacy. By cantering Transnationalism Theory, this review conceptualizes identity, belonging, and diasporic connection not as separate analytical themes but as interwoven processes within transnational social fields. Identity reflects how descendants position themselves across borders; belonging represents the affective and political dimensions of inclusion and exclusion; and transnationalism provides a structure that connects both to global systems of mobility, and recognition. Transnationalism enables a re-reading of migration and citizenship by foregrounding multiplicity over assimilation, hybridity over purity, and mobility over fixity. It captures the lived realities of migrants’ descendants who, while rooted in destination societies, continue to inhabit transnational spaces of meaning and memory. As such, it serves as a powerful theoretical anchor for examining how global interconnectedness shapes identity and belonging in contemporary migration contexts. 3. Method This review builds on an initial systematic search across seven academic databases. It was later expanded through a follow-up search to include recent theoretical and empirical developments in the study of migrants' descendants. This two-step approach was used to maintain historical continuity while also incorporating new conceptual changes that have reshaped how we understand identity, transnationalism, and belonging among descendants of migrants in different places. The decision to update the review was driven by the growing importance of digital diasporas, post-pandemic migration patterns, global anti-racism movements, and the increasing involvement of states in engaging "second-generation" diasporas through formal diaspora policies. These developments required an updated synthesis that reflects both evolving academic discussions and the practical realities affecting migrants' descendants worldwide. 3.1 Research Design A systematic narrative review was employed to synthesize and analyse interdisciplinary evidence drawn from sociology, migration studies, anthropology, political science, and cultural studies. This methodological choice was predicated on the conceptual richness and disciplinary fragmentation inherent in the study of migrants' descendants within their host societies. The systematic narrative approach facilitates the integration of multiple empirical findings and theoretical perspectives into a unified framework, thereby illuminating commonalities and pinpointing areas where knowledge is lacking. This analysis is theoretically informed by Transnationalism Theory, which highlights the diverse connections and networks that link migrants and their descendants across national borders (Glick Schiller et al., 1992 ; Vertovec, 2009 ). The theory's emphasis on enduring cross-border relationships offers a strong analytical tool for examining how descendants formulate and negotiate their identities, sustain emotional and digital ties, and navigate the complexities of belonging within diverse social contexts. Consequently, by utilizing a transnationalist perspective, this review connects the micro-level experiences of identity with the macro-level structural and policy dynamics that influence diasporic existence. 3.2 Data Sources and Search Strategy Data acquisition involved multiple academic databases, including ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis Online, Wiley Online Library, JSTOR, African Journals Online (AJOL), Academic Journals, and the World Bank e-Library. To broaden the scope of the search, Scopus and Web of Science were included in a supplementary search phase. These platforms were chosen due to their comprehensive coverage of peer-reviewed social science research and international scholarship pertaining to migration. The initial search phase concentrated on identifying major studies, employing key terms such as “ migrants’ descendants ,” “second-generation migrants ,” “ 1.5-generation migrants ,” and “ diaspora identity .” The subsequent phase broadened the search to encompass more contemporary research, specifically those employing concepts like "digital transnationalism," "diaspora youth," and " second-generation return migration ." Boolean operators, including AND and OR, were strategically applied to enhance the specificity and relevance of the search results. Furthermore, grey literature originating from organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNESCO, and the African Union was examined to integrate policy and programmatic viewpoints on diaspora involvement. To provide a comprehensive overview of the reviewed materials' scope and temporal range, Table 1 presents a summary of the types and timeframes of all sources incorporated into the review. Table 1 Summary of Sources Category Source Type Years Covered Empirical Studies Peer-reviewed journals 2005–2024 Policy Reports IOM, UNESCO, OECD, African Union 2008–2024 Theoretical Literature Foundational and applied frameworks 1987–2023 3.3 Data Organization and Analysis The gathered literature was systematically organized and analyzed using thematic content analysis, which facilitated the identification of conceptual linkages, empirical consistencies, and regional variations. Each document was coded according to its thematic relevance to identity, transnationalism, or belonging, and its alignment with the principles of Transnationalism Theory. This theoretical orientation enabled the review to situate micro-level identity practices within broader transnational networks, policy frameworks, and diasporic mobilities. The analytical process focused on understanding how migrants’ descendants sustain cross-border relationships through digital and institutional channels, how these linkages reinforce or challenge existing boundaries of citizenship, and how descendants experience multiple belongings in their everyday lives. By integrating both descriptive and interpretive analyses, the study ensured theoretical coherence and contextual sensitivity across regional and disciplinary boundaries. 3.4 Screening and Selection Process The initial database searches across both phases produced 163 publications. Following the removal of duplicates and a review of titles and abstracts for pertinence, 78 distinct records were selected. A thorough full-text evaluation eliminated studies that either lacked empirical support or failed to engage theoretically with the review's three primary themes. Ultimately, 28 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis. The screening procedure adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Page et al., 2021), thereby ensuring methodological transparency and replicability. The progression of the selection and refinement process is presented in Table 2 and Diagram 1. Table 2 Screening and Selection Process Selection Stage Description Sources Retained Initial database search Works retrieved using key terms 207 Screening Duplicates and irrelevant items removed 179 Eligibility Full-text assessment for inclusion 28 Final synthesis Articles and reports used in review 28 Diagram 1 : PRISMA visual Flow on Identity, Transnationalism, and Belonging: A Systematic Review of Literature on Migrants’ Descendants in Destination Areas 3.5 Thematic Analysis The thematic analysis, as proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006), was utilized to guide the review, enabling both descriptive and interpretive synthesis. Themes were developed and aligned with Transnationalism Theory through a process of iterative reading, coding, and constant comparison. This methodology permitted an examination of how the descendants of migrants negotiate identity and belonging, extending beyond national boundaries and into interconnected transnational spaces. The synthesis yielded three primary themes. Identity, transnationality and Belonging. The first area of focus, explores the ways in which descendants of migrants negotiate social exclusion and forge hybrid cultural identities within their host societies. Evolving Transnational Practices, the second area, explores the fluid, digitally mediated, and policy-influenced forms of cross-border interaction that define contemporary diasporic existence. The third area, Belonging and Multilocal Citizenship, analyzes how descendants express emotional and spatial connections to both their ancestral homelands and their host nations through return visits, social networks, and diaspora organizations. This analytical framework, rooted in Transnationalism Theory, emphasizes that the descendants of migrants do not experience belonging as a static condition; rather, it is a process of continuous negotiation influenced by both the structural and emotional aspects of transnational life. 4. Results 4.1 Search Outcomes and Study Selection The two-phase search strategy initially identified 163 records across all databases; after removing duplicates and irrelevant items, 78 records remained. Following a thorough review of the full texts and an assessment of eligibility, 28 peer-reviewed studies were included for synthesis. This included 19 studies from the 2016 initial review and 9 from the supplementary search conducted between 2017 and 2024. These 28 studies cover a variety of destination contexts, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and, notably, Ghana and Nigeria, reflecting a growing interest in African destination societies. The geographical origins of these studies include South Asia (India, Pakistan), Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal), North Africa (Morocco), the Middle East (Lebanon), East Asia (China), and Latin America. 4.2 Characteristics of Reviewed Studies This review synthesized twenty-eight peer-reviewed studies, which collectively enhance comprehension of the experiences of migrant descendants by examining the interconnected themes of identity, transnationalism, and belonging. The research encompasses North America, Europe, the Gulf region, and a developing body of scholarship in sub-Saharan Africa, thereby illustrating the evolution of theoretical and empirical investigations into transnationalism across both Global North and Global South settings. The literature examined reveals a chronological and conceptual broadening of Transnationalism Theory. Initial seminal works (Basch et al., 1994 ; Schiller et al., 1992 ; Vertovec, 1999 ) conceptualized migration as a process transcending geographical limits, facilitated by social fields that connect societies of origin and destination. Subsequent research (Levitt & Waters, 2002 ; Levitt, 2009 ; Vertovec, 2009 ) expanded upon the mechanisms by which descendants maintain transnational connections, emphasizing cultural memory, remittances, and symbolic bonds over physical movement. De Haas ( 2010 ) and Jayet & Rapoport ( 2010 ) further developed the migration–development relationship, highlighting the significance of descendants in transnational economic activities. Empirical investigations conducted in Europe and North America, including those by Rumbaut and Portes ( 2001 ), Crul & Doomernik ( 2003 ), Morawska ( 2004 ), and Maxwell ( 2010 ), analyzed integration pathways, processes of racialization, and generational mobility. Simultaneously, feminist and intersectional perspectives (Anthias, 2013 ; Massaquoi, 2004 ; Yuval-Davis, 2011 ) illuminated the ways in which gender and race intersect to shape hybrid identities. Concurrently, research by Jain ( 2010 ), Jaffee et al. ( 2014 ), and Crul ( 2019 ) investigated how descendants utilize transnational resources to attain educational and professional success. Recent academic work broadens the scope of these discussions to encompass perspectives beyond the Global North. Kandilige and Awumbila ( 2020 ) and Beauchemin et al. ( 2021 ) emphasize African transnationalism, thereby illuminating the processes of "return" and "South–South" mobility among descendants residing in Ghana and Nigeria. Research on digital connectivity (Mazzucato et al., 2022 ) illustrates how young people maintain ancestral connections through social media, whereas Gamlen ( 2023 ) demonstrates that states are increasingly formalizing these relationships through diaspora engagement strategies. Consequently, these trends indicate a transition from family-centered to policy-oriented and digitally facilitated forms of transnational affiliation. Three key themes are consistently observed. First, identity is formed through the interaction of race and gender, which shapes how individuals feel they belong in their new societies (Agnew, 2007 ; Bhattacharyya, 2018 ). Second, transnationalism is both a result of inherited practices and a process of adaptation, including business activities and digital interactions (Gamlen, 2023 ; Levitt & Glick Schiller, 2004 ; Mazzucato et al., 2022 ). Finally, belonging is shown to be complex and emotionally significant, expressed through civic involvement, the movement of people, and connections within diaspora communities (Crul & Schneider, 2010 ; El-Shaarawi & Palmary, 2020 ; Jain, 2010 ). Transnationalism Theory continues to be the prevailing paradigm, connecting individual identity formation with broader migration governance and diaspora policy. The incorporation of African-focused research (Adepoju, 2010 ; Kandilige & Awumbila, 2020 ; Mazzucato et al., 2022 ) highlights a developing trend in migration studies, acknowledging the Global South as both a destination and a place of belonging. These 36 studies collectively suggest that the descendants of migrants should not be viewed as permanent outsiders; rather, they are citizens possessing transnational identities within globally interconnected societies (refer to Table 3 in Appendix A). 4.3 Thematic Synthesis of Findings From this expanded body of literature, three major, interrelated themes, Identity, Transnational Relationships, and Diaspora Belonging, and two cross-cutting issues, Racism and Return, emerged consistently, forming the analytical framework for this review (see Fig. 1 ). 4.3.1 Identity: Beyond Generational Labels Toward Civic and Racialized Belonging The literature repeatedly revisits the question of how migrants’ descendants define and are defined by identity. Labels such as “1.5 generation,” “2.5 generation,” or “second-generation migrant” (Jain 2010 ; Levitt 2009 ; Ramakrishnan, 2004 ) persist, yet scholars increasingly critique these terms as misleading. They imply foreignness even for individuals born and socialized entirely in destination societies. Crul ( 2019 ) demonstrates that many European-born youth now reject hyphenated identities (e.g., Dutch-Moroccan ) in favour of localized civic identities ( “I am from Amsterdam” ). However, these claims frequently intersect with racialization processes that impede complete social integration. Bhattacharyya ( 2018 ) argues that it is racial capitalism, not merely migration status, that shapes the social recognition experienced by descendants of the Global South within the Global North. Furthermore, gender dynamics introduce additional complexities to identity construction. El-Shaarawi and Palmary ( 2020 ) demonstrate that African women born in Europe encounter a "triple marginalization," as they are racialized, gendered, and perceived as foreign, despite their legal and cultural European status. This extends Massaquoi’s ( 2004 ) earlier findings among African-Canadian women, who transform identity into a site of political resistance through community activism. Thus, racism emerges as a cross-cutting issue, shaping identity recognition and belonging. Descendants are often labelled racially (“Black British,” “Black Canadian”) rather than nationally, erasing their complex social and cultural identities (Massaquoi, 2004 ; Mensah 2002 ). 4.3.2 Transnationalism: From Family Ties to Digital and Entrepreneurial Connectivity The reviewed literature reveals that migrants’ descendants sustain multilayered transnational relationships spanning familial, religious, economic, and political domains (Basch et al. 1994 ; Levitt ,2009; Vertovec, 1999 ). These are not passive inheritances but strategic, active practices of maintaining cross-border belonging. Earlier studies showed that integration and transnationalism coexist (Levitt & Glick Schiller, 2004 ). Descendants draw on cultural repertoires from both homeland and hostland. Jain’s ( 2010 ) Indian-American participants, for instance, viewed both the U.S. and India as simultaneous frames of reference. Recent academic discourse has broadened the comprehension of transnationalism within the context of migrant descendants, primarily through three significant advancements. Initially, digital transnationalism has become a prominent characteristic of modern migration patterns; descendants, who have not physically traveled to their forebears' countries of origin, now sustain ongoing virtual relationships via platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok (Mazzucato et al., 2022 ). These digital exchanges enable immediate participation in familial, cultural, and political spheres across national boundaries, thereby reshaping the significance of connection and a sense of belonging. Furthermore, entrepreneurial transnationalism exemplifies a burgeoning phenomenon wherein both destination and origin nations, specifically Ghana and Nigeria, proactively engage their diasporic populations as investors, innovators, and collaborators in development initiatives (Gamlen, 2023 ). This evolution indicates the formalization of transnational activities, with states progressively perceiving descendants not solely as symbolic diaspora constituents but as crucial participants in economic and policy development. Third, the rise of South–South transnationalism marks a critical theoretical advancement. Studies such as those by Kandilige and Awumbila ( 2020 ) highlight the experiences of Lebanese-Ghanaians, Chinese-Ghanaians, and other migrant descendants in African destination contexts. These studies broaden the conceptual scope of transnationalism, illustrating that such processes are not confined to Global North settings but are equally significant within the Global South. Taken together, these developments demonstrate that transnationalism among migrants’ descendants has evolved into a multi-stranded, digitally mediated, and increasingly institutionalized process, one that lies at the heart of how belonging and identity are experienced and negotiated across borders. 4.3.3 Belonging: Diaspora Engagement, Return, and Multi-Local Futures The central question of this discussion is the "puzzle of return": why do descendants born and raised in their new homes choose to go back to their ancestral lands? Jain ( 2010 ) suggests that these returns are less about economic reasons and more about emotional connections to heritage and identity. Later research (Beauchemin et al., 2021 ) shows that these movements are often temporary and circular, with descendants moving between Europe and Africa, starting businesses, or reconnecting with family before returning to their original homes. Origin countries are now making return migration a part of their development and diplomatic strategies. Initiatives like Ghana’s “Year of Return” (2019) and Nigeria’s Diaspora Investment Summit actively involve second- and third-generation descendants as partners in innovation (Gamlen, 2023 ). Moreover, African countries that are destinations, such as Ghana, are now included in this broader narrative. Kandilige and Awumbila ( 2020 ) show that descendants of Lebanese and Chinese migrants in Ghana practice dual belonging, anchored in Accra yet emotionally linked to Beirut or Guangzhou, challenging older Eurocentric frameworks. Belonging, therefore, is no longer linear or territorial. It is multi-local, negotiated, and strategic, reflecting the transnational heart of contemporary descendants’ lives. 4.4 Synthesis: Linking Identity, Transnationalism, and Belonging through Transnationalism Theory From a Transnationalism Theory, the research indicates that the descendants of migrants are actively involved in both integration and cross-border interactions. Their identity development does not signify a rejection of the host society; rather, it represents a redefinition of belonging that transcends social, digital, and spatial boundaries. The transnational field, as conceptualized by Glick Schiller et al. ( 1992 ), offers the structural framework within which these descendants function, thereby connecting them to diverse communities of significance. Consequently, identity, transnationalism, and belonging constitute a triadic process: descendants construct their identities within transnational social spaces, express belonging through cross-border activities, and perpetually reimagine their sense of home, thereby challenging conventional understandings of nationality and citizenship. 5. Limitations and Strengths This review, though comprehensive in its synthesis, presents certain methodological and conceptual limitations that warrant acknowledgment. First, the study relies exclusively on English-language publications, which may have excluded valuable insights from non-English scholarly traditions, especially studies conducted in Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabic-speaking African contexts. This linguistic bias potentially narrows the geographical and cultural diversity of perspectives on transnationalism, identity, and belonging among migrants’ descendants. Furthermore, although the two-phased systematic search (2016 and 2017–2024) ensured temporal breadth, it inevitably missed emergent grey literature and unpublished research, particularly from regions where migration scholarship is still developing institutionally. Another limitation lies in the conceptual heterogeneity of the reviewed studies. The literature employs varied terminologies, such as “second generation,” “children of immigrants,” and “diaspora youth”, that do not always align conceptually. While this review critically interrogates these categories through the lens of Transnationalism Theory, differences in operationalization across studies complicate direct comparisons and synthesis. Additionally, the reliance on secondary data restricts the ability to empirically test emerging propositions about multi-local belonging and digital transnationalism. Primary qualitative research among migrants’ descendants in underrepresented Global South destinations, such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, remains urgently needed to validate and contextualize these findings. Despite these constraints, the review’s strengths are considerable. It provides one of the few integrative syntheses to bridge Global North and Global South perspectives on migrants’ descendants, challenging the Euro-American dominance of the discourse. The use of Transnationalism Theory as the central framework allows for a nuanced understanding of how everyday practices, digital communication, remittances, family networks, and symbolic homeland affiliations, constitute identity and belonging across borders.This theoretical framework enhances the interpretive richness of the synthesis, demonstrating that transnational connections transcend the legacy of parental migration, functioning instead as fluid, evolving, and frequently digitally facilitated social phenomena. Furthermore, the incorporation of contemporary research on African destination contexts represents a significant advancement. These investigations reframe Africa, no longer viewed solely as a source of migrants, but as a dynamic environment where descendant identities and citizenship are continuously negotiated. Methodologically, the systematic search design promotes transparency and replicability, while the narrative synthesis method effectively captures the intricacies of the examined phenomena. Consequently, these combined strengths render the review both an empirical overview of existing knowledge and a conceptual contribution to the global study of migration and transnationalism. 6. Conclusion Migrants’ descendants in destination contexts embody a paradox of belonging: legally citizens yet socially positioned as outsiders. This review underscores that their experiences are shaped not simply by ancestry but by transnational processes that extend beyond physical mobility. Grounded in Transnationalism Theory, the review demonstrates that identity, belonging, and citizenship are co-constructed across multiple locales, shaped by both structural exclusion and active engagement in cross-border networks. Identity among migrants’ descendants remains intertwined with racialization and structural inequality. Despite citizenship by birth, they often confront “conditional belonging,” where their inclusion depends on conformity to racial and cultural hierarchies in destination societies. Transnationalism, once conceptualized as the maintenance of homeland ties by first-generation migrants, has evolved into a digitally sustained social field in which descendants cultivate connections through online platforms, cultural associations, and diaspora mobilities. These interactions reshape the spatial and emotional landscapes of belonging, demonstrating that the concept of home transcends geographical boundaries, instead being defined by relational practices and emotional investments. In this context, belonging becomes a multi-local and negotiated phenomenon. Descendants of migrants traverse between symbolic homelands and their lived host country, enacting citizenship across spaces that both include and exclude them. The return movement, once idealized as a definitive homecoming, now reflects a cyclical and frequently strategic re-engagement, where return visits or investments function as expressions of identity and transnational commitment, rather than permanent relocation. Furthermore, recent findings from African contexts, including Ghana and Nigeria, indicate that the dynamics of transnationalism are no longer limited to North–South trajectories. Studies of Lebanese-Ghanaians, Chinese-Ghanaians, and West African intergenerational migrant groups demonstrate how South–South transnationalism contests prevailing models of global migration. These observations underscore that the transnational activities of descendants are shaped by their specific contexts, exhibit considerable diversity, and mirror global transformations in mobility, digital technology, and citizenship debates. Therefore, we advocate for Ghana-focused research on the descendants of migrants to investigate how identity, belonging, and transnational practices are expressed within a society that has historically functioned as both a source and destination for migrants. Such research would help to overcome the conceptual North–South divide, contribute to the development of inclusive policy frameworks, and refine Transnationalism Theory by grounding it in African contexts. Comprehending these dynamics is not merely an academic pursuit; it is also a crucial policy requirement for fostering inclusive citizenship and effective migration governance in an increasingly globalized world. 6.1 Implications for Policy and Practice The conclusions drawn from this review carry considerable weight for both migration governance and social policy. Initially, it is imperative that policymakers acknowledge the citizenship status of migrants' descendants, recognizing their transnational affiliations rather than classifying them as permanent migrants. Consequently, citizenship legislation and national integration policies must be adjusted to reflect this perspective, thereby promoting social inclusion and the affirmation of identity. Furthermore, governments and diaspora organizations should capitalize on the digital transnationalism of these descendants, specifically through online diaspora networks, virtual heritage initiatives, and transnational entrepreneurial endeavors, to bolster global Ghanaian engagement and South–South collaboration. Educational and civic programs must also confront racialized exclusion and cultural stereotyping, which impede a sense of belonging within the societies of destination. Integrating intercultural competence and migration literacy into educational programs could foster empathy and a more inclusive sense of national identity. Furthermore, migration policies in Ghana and other African nations should broaden their scope beyond return migration to include engagement with descendants, acknowledging these communities as developmental allies who represent both local citizenship and global interconnectedness. Ultimately, future research and practical applications should incorporate a transnational perspective when formulating social interventions, thereby ensuring that policies accurately reflect the dynamic, multilocal realities of migrants' descendants. By incorporating Transnationalism Theory into governance structures, destination countries, particularly those in the Global South, can progress toward inclusive, pluralistic societies where all citizens, irrespective of their heritage, experience a sense of complete belonging. Declarations 7.0 Funding No financial support was received for the research, authorship, or publication of this article. The study was undertaken as part of the authors’ independent academic research collaboration. 7.1 Data Availability This paper draws entirely on secondary data sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, institutional reports, and policy documents. All the data and resources utilized are publicly available and may be verified using reliable academic databases and internet repositories. 7.4 Ethics Approval Because this study used just existing data, it didn't include people. Therefore, ethical approval wasn't needed. References Akyeampong E (2020) The Year of Return: Diaspora Tourism and the Reinvention of ‘Home’ in Ghana. Afr Affairs 119(474):135–150 Adepoju A (2010) International Migration within, to and from Africa in a Globalised World. (No Title) Agnew V (2007) Being White and thinking Black: An interview with Frances Henry. In Interrogating race and racism (pp. 386–412) Anthias F (2013) Moving beyond the Janus face of integration and diversity discourses: towards an intersectional framing. Sociol Rev 61(2):323–343 Basch L, Glick Schiller N, Szanton Blanc C (1994) Nations unbound: Transnational projects, postcolonial predicaments, and deterritorialized nation-states. Gordon and Breach Basch L, Schiller NG, Blanc CS (2020) Nations unbound: Transnational projects, postcolonial predicaments and deterritorialized nation-states. Routledge Beauchemin C, Schoumaker B, Vause S (2021) The second-generation return? Evidence from Africa–Europe corridors. Glob Netw 21(3):620–639. https://doi.org/10.1111/glob.12302 Bhattacharyya G (2018) Rethinking racial capitalism: Questions of reproduction and survival. Rowman & Littlefield Crul M (2019) The integration of immigrant-origin youth in Europe: A comparative perspective. J Ethnic Migration Stud 45(15):2837–2856. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2018.1550190 Crul M, Doomernik J (2003) The Turkish and Moroccan second generation in the Netherlands: Divergent trends between and polarization within the two groups. Int Migrat Rev 37(4):1039–1064. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-7379.2003.tb00170.x Crul M, Schneider J (2010) Comparative integration context theory: Participation and belonging in new diverse European cities. Ethnic racial Stud 33(7):1249–1268 De Haas H (2010) Migration and development: A theoretical perspective. Int Migrat Rev 44(1):227–264. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-7379.2010.00204.x El-Shaarawi N, Palmary I (2020) Gender, generation, and racialized borders. Migration Soc 3(1):1–15. https://doi.org/10.3167/armo.2020.030101 Gamlen A (2023) Diaspora institutions and the state. Migration Stud 11(1):1–22. https://doi.org/10.1093/migration/mnac025 International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2013) Diasporas and development: Bridging societies and states. IOM Jaffee AT, Watson VVM, Knight MG (2014) Toward enacted cosmopolitan citizenship: New conceptualizations of African immigrants’ civic learning and action in the United States. J Global Citizsh Equity Educ 4(1):1–22 Jain S (2010) For love and money: Second-generation Indian Americans in the Indian knowledge economy. Glob Netw 10(3):313–332. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0374.2010.00287.xEmmer Jayet H, Rapoport H (2010) Migration and development: New insights. Annals Econ Stat 97(98):5–12. https://doi.org/10.2307/41219107 Kandilige L, Awumbila M (2020) Transnationalism among Ghanaian return migrants. Afr Popul Stud 34(2):4568–4582. https://doi.org/10.11564/34-2-1352 Ladha S (2005) Second generation immigrant adaptation: Construction of a hybrid cultural identity [Unpublished manuscript] Levitt P (2009) Roots and routes: Understanding the lives of the second generation transnationally. J Ethnic Migration Stud 35(7):1225–1242. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691830903031349 Levitt P, Glick Schiller N (2004) Conceptualizing simultaneity: A transnational social field perspective on society. Int Migrat Rev 38(3):1002–1039. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-7379.2004.tb00227.x Levitt P, Waters MC (eds) (2002) The changing face of home: the transnational lives of the second generation. Russell Sage Foundation Massaquoi N (2004) An African child becomes a Black Canadian feminist: Oscillating identities in the Black diaspora, vol 23. Canadian Woman Studies / Les Cahiers de la Femme, pp 140–145. 2 Maxwell R (2010) Evaluating migrant integration: Political trust and satisfaction in 24 European countries. Int Migrat Rev 44(1):25–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-7379.2010.00202.x Mazrui AA (2005) Pan-Africanism and the intellectuals: Rise, decline and revival. African intellectuals: Rethinking politics, language, gender and development. Zed Books, pp 56–77 Mazrui AA (2005) The re-invention of Africa: Edward Said, VY Mudimbe, and beyond. Res Afr Literatures, 68–82 Mazzucato V, Schans D, Snel E (2022) Digital transnationalism in West Africa: How youth stay connected across borders. J Ethnic Migration Stud 48(16):3921–3939. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2021.1935243 Mensah J (2002) Black Canadians: History, experiences, social conditions. Fernwood Publishing Morawska E (2004) Exploring diversity in immigrant assimilation and transnationalism: Poles and Russian Jews in Philadelphia. Int Migrat Rev 38(4):1372–1412. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-7379.2004.tb00242.x Ramakrishnan SK (2004) Second-generation immigrants? The 1.5 generation in the United States. Soc Sci Q 85(2):380–399. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0038-4941.2004.08502006.x Rumbaut RG, Portes A (2001) Ethnicities: Children of immigrants in America. University of California Press Rumbaut RG, Portes A (eds) (2001) Ethnicities: Children of immigrants in America. Univ of California Schiller NG, Basch L, Blanc-Szanton C (1992) Transnationalism: A new analytic framework for understanding migration. Ann N Y Acad Sci 645(1):1–24 Vertovec S (1999) Conceiving and researching transnationalism. Ethnic Racial Stud 22(2):447–462. https://doi.org/10.1080/014198799329558 Vertovec S (2009) Transnationalism. Routledge Yuval-Davis N (2011) The politics of belonging: Intersectional contestations Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Supplementary Files AppendixIdentityTransnationalismLJandBelonging1512.doc IdentityJTransnationalismJandBelongingTeyeAgudeyTittle.doc Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8563840","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Systematic Review","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":592375881,"identity":"303a7561-09f7-4c06-b13a-9a0ec67e24b8","order_by":0,"name":"Alberta Teye 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Studies","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Delali","middleName":"Magaret","lastName":"Badasu","suffix":""},{"id":592375883,"identity":"770546ca-d15e-4a19-94fc-f92e4cd2c810","order_by":2,"name":"John Kwasi Anarfi","email":"","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7771-1124","institution":"University of Ghana, Regional Institute for Population Studies","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"John","middleName":"Kwasi","lastName":"Anarfi","suffix":""},{"id":592375884,"identity":"75b428d1-06aa-4a1a-947a-ae25593e7ea2","order_by":3,"name":"Sylvester Kyei Gyamfi","email":"","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3058-5831","institution":"Department of Children, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Accra, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sylvester","middleName":"Kyei","lastName":"Gyamfi","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-01-09 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Areas\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8563840/v1/b14f17573e0c28c61aaf2e00.png"},{"id":102963515,"identity":"6715fb86-a09e-43b0-b010-536cb03b42a2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-19 04:18:28","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":857648,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8563840/v1/613f2e6f-9134-476f-bd63-384f1559ce33.pdf"},{"id":102906133,"identity":"51fcd2de-4c2b-4943-846a-e37344e7bfb5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-18 09:12:40","extension":"doc","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":116736,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"AppendixIdentityTransnationalismLJandBelonging1512.doc","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8563840/v1/5f269c38b84437c77efa679b.doc"},{"id":102906101,"identity":"0821669f-75f5-4973-88e0-01af37bdfc82","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-18 09:12:29","extension":"doc","order_by":2,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":36864,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"IdentityJTransnationalismJandBelongingTeyeAgudeyTittle.doc","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8563840/v1/984db5f9a1faac21d49e0339.doc"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eIdentity, Transnationalism, and Belonging: A Systematic Review of Literature on Migrants’ Descendants in Destination Areas\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eWhat happens to \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;the America-born\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e whose mother is a Native American but whose father is an immigrant from Kenya? Is he Kenyan, American, both, or neither? Who can claim the striker Danny Welbeck, Ghana, or England? Where does Paul Pogba belong: Guinea or France? And whenever Anthony Joshua wins a world title, which country has the right to celebrate, Nigeria or England? These questions strike at the heart of identity, belonging, and transnational connection among migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants in destination societies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMigration has historically been a major force in shaping nations, economies, and cultures. Migrants have consistently contributed to both their home and host countries in social, economic, and political areas (Adepoju, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; De Haas, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Jayet, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Increasingly, the descendants of these migrants, those born or raised in the host societies, represent the most visible and complex results of migration. Barack Obama (United States), Paul Pogba (France), Danny Welbeck (England), David Odonkor (Germany), and Anthony Joshua (Britain) exemplify the intricate interplay between heritage and citizenship, demonstrating the dynamic nature of belonging as it is continually reshaped across both national and social divides.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescendants of migrants constitute a unique social group, their identities molded by both their parents' backgrounds and the sociocultural frameworks of their countries of birth (Jain, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). This interplay give rise to questions concerning identity (\u003cem\u003eWho am I\u003c/em\u003e?), belonging (\u003cem\u003eWhere do I fit?\u003c/em\u003e), and transnationalism (\u003cem\u003eHow do I maintain cross-border connections?\u003c/em\u003e). These phenomena are not merely individual experiences; they are also structural, influenced by societal norms, institutional practices that either include or exclude, and the marginal boundaries that delineate belonging (Maxwell, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Consequently, the descendants of migrants often experience identity fragmentation, ambivalent belonging, and selective transnationalism, which are central to contemporary migration discourse.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt the level of policy, nations of origin are progressively acknowledging descendants as pivotal links connecting their countries of origin with their diasporas. Initiatives like the Pan-African Intellectuals Conference held in Dakar in 2004, along with national diaspora engagement strategies (IOM, 2013), and Ghana's year of return (Akyeampong \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) illustrate the institutionalization of transnational belonging (Mazrui, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e). These programs are designed to encompass not only first-generation migrants but also their off-springs and subsequent generations. This helps the origin countries in recognizing their capacity for investment, the exchange of knowledge, and the practice of soft diplomacy. However, this policy-driven enthusiasm is juxtaposed with the relative scarcity of scholarly research synthesizing the perspectives of descendants regarding their own perceptions and the maintenance of transnational identities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMigration research has traditionally privileged the first generation, focusing on migration trajectories, remittances, and integration (Rumbaut \u0026amp; Portes, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e; Portes \u0026amp; Zhou, 1993). While most of these studies often reflect Global North assumptions emphasizing assimilation and socioeconomic mobility in Western contexts. By contrast, descendants in Global South destinations, such as Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, remain underexplored (Agyeman, 2018; Owusu, 2020). This imbalance reproduces skewness that overlooks how histories, ethnicity, and citizenship shape belonging in origin countries. A further challenge stems from the persistent ambiguity surrounding terminology. Terms like \"second-generation\" or \"1.5-generation migrants\" inaccurately portray individuals born in the countries they inhabit, thereby reinforcing exclusionary narratives (Anthias, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). Academics contend that such terminology sustains racial hierarchies and calls into question the complete societal integration of their descendants (Crul \u0026amp; Schneider, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). By conceptualizing these individuals as migrants rather than citizens, they are effectively positioned as perpetual outsiders, even if they have never migrated.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, transnationalism has, in recent years, broadened its scope beyond the practices of the first generation to include digitally mediated, emotional, and symbolic connections among descendants (Levitt \u0026amp; Waters, 2020). These connections manifest through social media interactions, involvement in diaspora associations, and visits to ancestral homelands.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor numerous descendants, transnationalism transcends mere inheritance; it constitutes an active identity endeavor that facilitates the reconciliation of diverse allegiances. Likewise, the concept of belonging is now conceptualized as multi-scalar. Such that, it is affective, encompassing attachments to individuals, locations, and imagined communities, rather than being confined to a simplistic inclusion\u0026ndash;exclusion dichotomy (Antonsich, 2010; Yuval-Davis, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNotwithstanding these theoretical advancements, the intersection of identity, transnationalism, and belonging within the lived experiences of migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants remains inadequately understood. Existing research frequently exhibits a regional focus or centres on specific themes, thereby restricting its comparative utility. A thorough synthesis is essential to consolidate insights across various disciplines, geographical contexts, and generational cohorts. This review, therefore, seeks to fulfil the need for a systematic synthesis of research concerning the descendants of migrants residing in destination countries. It examines how they form and challenge their identities, how they maintain or change their connections across borders, and how they find a sense of belonging in different social and institutional settings. Drawing on studies from North America, Europe, the Gulf region, and emerging African destinations, this work aims to provide a more balanced and global understanding of migration experiences.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study seeks to move away from a focus on Global North perspectives and instead highlight the Global South. By bringing together different regional viewpoints, it offers a critical framework for inclusive and diverse citizenship that reflects the transnational realities of migrants' descendants worldwide.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Theoretical Foundation","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis analysis is informed by Transnationalism Theory, offering a robust structure for examining how migrants and their descendants in the destination countries maintain relationships across national borders. It shows how they simultaneously navigating issues of belonging and identity within the societies they inhabit. Transnationalism critiques earlier assimilationist paradigms that characterized.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants, transnationalism offers a lens through which identity is understood as both relational and situational. It is inherently relational, arising from interactions with various reference points: the host society, the ancestral homeland, and the diaspora community. Furthermore, it is situational, adapting to context, audience, and social recognition. Descendants frequently exhibit what Levitt and Waters (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e) term \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003esecond-generation transnationalism\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026rdquo; which is marked by selective engagement with heritage through music, language acquisition, social media, or visits to ancestral villages. These practices do not signify a nostalgic return to origins; rather, they represent an active reconstruction of identity that integrates global and local influences.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransnationalism also clarifies belonging as a dynamic process, rather than a fixed state. Consequently, belonging encompasses more than legal citizenship or physical location, incorporating emotional, symbolic, and social connections that transcend national boundaries. Descendants of migrants may experience a partial sense of belonging in both their ancestral homeland and their current residence, yet they may not fully belong to either. Their conception of home becomes multi-local and complex, rooted in kinship and memory as much as in physical space. This dynamic frequently gives rise to hybrid forms of belonging, which challenge binary classifications like \"native\" and \"foreign.\"\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConversely, access to transnational belonging is not uniformly distributed. Structural disparities, ethnic demarcations, and restrictive citizenship frameworks dictate who can assert a claim to transnational space and who is relegated to exclusion. In numerous Western settings, individuals of African, Arab, or Asian descent are frequently categorized as \u0026ldquo;second-generation migrants,\u0026rdquo; a designation that undermines their complete integration and reinforces classifications (Anthias, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). In this context, transnationalism offers a crucial perspective for examining the dynamics of power and recognition in the construction of belonging's boundaries. It demonstrates that the capacity to maintain cross-border identities is simultaneously facilitated and impeded by institutional structures, policy initiatives, and prevailing discourses.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the Global South, transnationalism is understood differently, shaped by the lasting effects of history of migration. For example, in Ghana and Nigeria, the return of people from the diaspora, through heritage tourism or programs like Ghana's Year of Return, changes how transnational belonging is seen, making it both an economic and a cultural effort. Unlike the integration-focused models often seen in the Global North, these examples highlight the two-way nature of transnationalism. Countries of origin actively seek out their descendants to help with nation-building, investment, and soft diplomacy.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBy cantering Transnationalism Theory, this review conceptualizes identity, belonging, and diasporic connection not as separate analytical themes but as interwoven processes within transnational social fields. Identity reflects how descendants position themselves across borders; belonging represents the affective and political dimensions of inclusion and exclusion; and transnationalism provides a structure that connects both to global systems of mobility, and recognition.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransnationalism enables a re-reading of migration and citizenship by foregrounding multiplicity over assimilation, hybridity over purity, and mobility over fixity. It captures the lived realities of migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants who, while rooted in destination societies, continue to inhabit transnational spaces of meaning and memory. As such, it serves as a powerful theoretical anchor for examining how global interconnectedness shapes identity and belonging in contemporary migration contexts.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3. Method","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis review builds on an initial systematic search across seven academic databases. It was later expanded through a follow-up search to include recent theoretical and empirical developments in the study of migrants' descendants. This two-step approach was used to maintain historical continuity while also incorporating new conceptual changes that have reshaped how we understand identity, transnationalism, and belonging among descendants of migrants in different places. The decision to update the review was driven by the growing importance of digital diasporas, post-pandemic migration patterns, global anti-racism movements, and the increasing involvement of states in engaging \"second-generation\" diasporas through formal diaspora policies. These developments required an updated synthesis that reflects both evolving academic discussions and the practical realities affecting migrants' descendants worldwide.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Research Design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA systematic narrative review was employed to synthesize and analyse interdisciplinary evidence drawn from sociology, migration studies, anthropology, political science, and cultural studies. This methodological choice was predicated on the conceptual richness and disciplinary fragmentation inherent in the study of migrants' descendants within their host societies. The systematic narrative approach facilitates the integration of multiple empirical findings and theoretical perspectives into a unified framework, thereby illuminating commonalities and pinpointing areas where knowledge is lacking.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis analysis is theoretically informed by Transnationalism Theory, which highlights the diverse connections and networks that link migrants and their descendants across national borders (Glick Schiller et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1992\u003c/span\u003e; Vertovec, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e). The theory's emphasis on enduring cross-border relationships offers a strong analytical tool for examining how descendants formulate and negotiate their identities, sustain emotional and digital ties, and navigate the complexities of belonging within diverse social contexts. Consequently, by utilizing a transnationalist perspective, this review connects the micro-level experiences of identity with the macro-level structural and policy dynamics that influence diasporic existence.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Data Sources and Search Strategy\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData acquisition involved multiple academic databases, including ScienceDirect, Taylor \u0026amp; Francis Online, Wiley Online Library, JSTOR, African Journals Online (AJOL), Academic Journals, and the World Bank e-Library. To broaden the scope of the search, Scopus and Web of Science were included in a supplementary search phase. These platforms were chosen due to their comprehensive coverage of peer-reviewed social science research and international scholarship pertaining to migration.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe initial search phase concentrated on identifying major studies, employing key terms such as \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003emigrants\u0026rsquo; descendants\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026rdquo; \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;second-generation migrants\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003e1.5-generation migrants\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003ediaspora identity\u003c/em\u003e.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe subsequent phase broadened the search to encompass more contemporary research, specifically those employing concepts like \"digital transnationalism,\" \"diaspora youth,\" and \"\u003cem\u003esecond-generation return migration\u003c/em\u003e.\" Boolean operators, including AND and OR, were strategically applied to enhance the specificity and relevance of the search results. Furthermore, grey literature originating from organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNESCO, and the African Union was examined to integrate policy and programmatic viewpoints on diaspora involvement. To provide a comprehensive overview of the reviewed materials' scope and temporal range, Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e presents a summary of the types and timeframes of all sources incorporated into the review.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummary of Sources\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSource Type\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYears Covered\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmpirical Studies\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeer-reviewed journals\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2005\u0026ndash;2024\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePolicy Reports\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIOM, UNESCO, OECD, African Union\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2008\u0026ndash;2024\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTheoretical Literature\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFoundational and applied frameworks\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1987\u0026ndash;2023\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Data Organization and Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe gathered literature was systematically organized and analyzed using thematic content analysis, which facilitated the identification of conceptual linkages, empirical consistencies, and regional variations. Each document was coded according to its thematic relevance to identity, transnationalism, or belonging, and its alignment with the principles of Transnationalism Theory. This theoretical orientation enabled the review to situate micro-level identity practices within broader transnational networks, policy frameworks, and diasporic mobilities. The analytical process focused on understanding how migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants sustain cross-border relationships through digital and institutional channels, how these linkages reinforce or challenge existing boundaries of citizenship, and how descendants experience multiple belongings in their everyday lives. By integrating both descriptive and interpretive analyses, the study ensured theoretical coherence and contextual sensitivity across regional and disciplinary boundaries.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4 Screening and Selection Process\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe initial database searches across both phases produced 163 publications. Following the removal of duplicates and a review of titles and abstracts for pertinence, 78 distinct records were selected. A thorough full-text evaluation eliminated studies that either lacked empirical support or failed to engage theoretically with the review's three primary themes. Ultimately, 28 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis. The screening procedure adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Page et al., 2021), thereby ensuring methodological transparency and replicability. The progression of the selection and refinement process is presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e and Diagram 1.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eScreening and Selection Process\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelection Stage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSources Retained\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInitial database search\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorks retrieved using key terms\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e207\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eScreening\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuplicates and irrelevant items removed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e179\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEligibility\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFull-text assessment for inclusion\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFinal synthesis\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eArticles and reports used in review\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eDiagram 1\u003c/b\u003e: PRISMA visual Flow on Identity, Transnationalism, and Belonging: A Systematic Review of Literature on Migrants\u0026rsquo; Descendants in Destination Areas\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.5 Thematic Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe thematic analysis, as proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006), was utilized to guide the review, enabling both descriptive and interpretive synthesis. Themes were developed and aligned with Transnationalism Theory through a process of iterative reading, coding, and constant comparison. This methodology permitted an examination of how the descendants of migrants negotiate identity and belonging, extending beyond national boundaries and into interconnected transnational spaces.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe synthesis yielded three primary themes. Identity, transnationality and Belonging. The first area of focus, explores the ways in which descendants of migrants negotiate social exclusion and forge hybrid cultural identities within their host societies. Evolving Transnational Practices, the second area, explores the fluid, digitally mediated, and policy-influenced forms of cross-border interaction that define contemporary diasporic existence. The third area, Belonging and Multilocal Citizenship, analyzes how descendants express emotional and spatial connections to both their ancestral homelands and their host nations through return visits, social networks, and diaspora organizations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis analytical framework, rooted in Transnationalism Theory, emphasizes that the descendants of migrants do not experience belonging as a static condition; rather, it is a process of continuous negotiation influenced by both the structural and emotional aspects of transnational life.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.1 Search Outcomes and Study Selection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe two-phase search strategy initially identified 163 records across all databases; after removing duplicates and irrelevant items, 78 records remained. Following a thorough review of the full texts and an assessment of eligibility, 28 peer-reviewed studies were included for synthesis. This included 19 studies from the 2016 initial review and 9 from the supplementary search conducted between 2017 and 2024. These 28 studies cover a variety of destination contexts, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and, notably, Ghana and Nigeria, reflecting a growing interest in African destination societies. The geographical origins of these studies include South Asia (India, Pakistan), Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal), North Africa (Morocco), the Middle East (Lebanon), East Asia (China), and Latin America.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2 Characteristics of Reviewed Studies\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis review synthesized twenty-eight peer-reviewed studies, which collectively enhance comprehension of the experiences of migrant descendants by examining the interconnected themes of identity, transnationalism, and belonging. The research encompasses North America, Europe, the Gulf region, and a developing body of scholarship in sub-Saharan Africa, thereby illustrating the evolution of theoretical and empirical investigations into transnationalism across both Global North and Global South settings. The literature examined reveals a chronological and conceptual broadening of Transnationalism Theory. Initial seminal works (Basch et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e; Schiller et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1992\u003c/span\u003e; Vertovec, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e) conceptualized migration as a process transcending geographical limits, facilitated by social fields that connect societies of origin and destination.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubsequent research (Levitt \u0026amp; Waters, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e; Levitt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; Vertovec, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) expanded upon the mechanisms by which descendants maintain transnational connections, emphasizing cultural memory, remittances, and symbolic bonds over physical movement. De Haas (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) and Jayet \u0026amp; Rapoport (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) further developed the migration\u0026ndash;development relationship, highlighting the significance of descendants in transnational economic activities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmpirical investigations conducted in Europe and North America, including those by Rumbaut and Portes (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e), Crul \u0026amp; Doomernik (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e), Morawska (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e), and Maxwell (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e), analyzed integration pathways, processes of racialization, and generational mobility. Simultaneously, feminist and intersectional perspectives (Anthias, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Massaquoi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e; Yuval-Davis, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e) illuminated the ways in which gender and race intersect to shape hybrid identities. Concurrently, research by Jain (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e), Jaffee et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e), and Crul (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) investigated how descendants utilize transnational resources to attain educational and professional success.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecent academic work broadens the scope of these discussions to encompass perspectives beyond the Global North. Kandilige and Awumbila (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) and Beauchemin et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) emphasize African transnationalism, thereby illuminating the processes of \"return\" and \"South\u0026ndash;South\" mobility among descendants residing in Ghana and Nigeria. Research on digital connectivity (Mazzucato et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) illustrates how young people maintain ancestral connections through social media, whereas Gamlen (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) demonstrates that states are increasingly formalizing these relationships through diaspora engagement strategies. Consequently, these trends indicate a transition from family-centered to policy-oriented and digitally facilitated forms of transnational affiliation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThree key themes are consistently observed. First, identity is formed through the interaction of race and gender, which shapes how individuals feel they belong in their new societies (Agnew, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e; Bhattacharyya, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Second, transnationalism is both a result of inherited practices and a process of adaptation, including business activities and digital interactions (Gamlen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Levitt \u0026amp; Glick Schiller, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e; Mazzucato et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Finally, belonging is shown to be complex and emotionally significant, expressed through civic involvement, the movement of people, and connections within diaspora communities (Crul \u0026amp; Schneider, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; El-Shaarawi \u0026amp; Palmary, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Jain, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransnationalism Theory continues to be the prevailing paradigm, connecting individual identity formation with broader migration governance and diaspora policy. The incorporation of African-focused research (Adepoju, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Kandilige \u0026amp; Awumbila, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Mazzucato et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) highlights a developing trend in migration studies, acknowledging the Global South as both a destination and a place of belonging. These 36 studies collectively suggest that the descendants of migrants should not be viewed as permanent outsiders; rather, they are citizens possessing transnational identities within globally interconnected societies (refer to Table\u0026nbsp;3 in Appendix A).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3 Thematic Synthesis of Findings\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom this expanded body of literature, three major, interrelated themes, Identity, Transnational Relationships, and Diaspora Belonging, and two cross-cutting issues, Racism and Return, emerged consistently, forming the analytical framework for this review (see Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3.1 Identity: Beyond Generational Labels Toward Civic and Racialized Belonging\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe literature repeatedly revisits the question of how migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants define and are defined by identity. Labels such as \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;1.5 generation,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;2.5 generation,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;second-generation migrant\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (Jain \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Levitt \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; Ramakrishnan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e) persist, yet scholars increasingly critique these terms as misleading. They imply foreignness even for individuals born and socialized entirely in destination societies. Crul (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) demonstrates that many European-born youth now reject hyphenated identities (e.g., \u003cem\u003eDutch-Moroccan\u003c/em\u003e) in favour of localized civic identities (\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am from Amsterdam\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e). However, these claims frequently intersect with racialization processes that impede complete social integration. Bhattacharyya (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e) argues that it is racial capitalism, not merely migration status, that shapes the social recognition experienced by descendants of the Global South within the Global North.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, gender dynamics introduce additional complexities to identity construction. El-Shaarawi and Palmary (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) demonstrate that African women born in Europe encounter a \"triple marginalization,\" as they are racialized, gendered, and perceived as foreign, despite their legal and cultural European status.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis extends Massaquoi\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e) earlier findings among African-Canadian women, who transform identity into a site of political resistance through community activism. Thus, racism emerges as a cross-cutting issue, shaping identity recognition and belonging. Descendants are often labelled racially (\u0026ldquo;Black British,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;Black Canadian\u0026rdquo;) rather than nationally, erasing their complex social and cultural identities (Massaquoi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e; Mensah \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3.2 Transnationalism: From Family Ties to Digital and Entrepreneurial Connectivity\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe reviewed literature reveals that migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants sustain multilayered transnational relationships spanning familial, religious, economic, and political domains (Basch et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e; Levitt ,2009; Vertovec, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e). These are not passive inheritances but strategic, active practices of maintaining cross-border belonging. Earlier studies showed that integration and transnationalism coexist (Levitt \u0026amp; Glick Schiller, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e). Descendants draw on cultural repertoires from both homeland and hostland. Jain\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) Indian-American participants, for instance, viewed both the U.S. and India as simultaneous frames of reference.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecent academic discourse has broadened the comprehension of transnationalism within the context of migrant descendants, primarily through three significant advancements. Initially, digital transnationalism has become a prominent characteristic of modern migration patterns; descendants, who have not physically traveled to their forebears' countries of origin, now sustain ongoing virtual relationships via platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok (Mazzucato et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). These digital exchanges enable immediate participation in familial, cultural, and political spheres across national boundaries, thereby reshaping the significance of connection and a sense of belonging.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, entrepreneurial transnationalism exemplifies a burgeoning phenomenon wherein both destination and origin nations, specifically Ghana and Nigeria, proactively engage their diasporic populations as investors, innovators, and collaborators in development initiatives (Gamlen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). This evolution indicates the formalization of transnational activities, with states progressively perceiving descendants not solely as symbolic diaspora constituents but as crucial participants in economic and policy development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThird, the rise of South\u0026ndash;South transnationalism marks a critical theoretical advancement. Studies such as those by Kandilige and Awumbila (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) highlight the experiences of Lebanese-Ghanaians, Chinese-Ghanaians, and other migrant descendants in African destination contexts. These studies broaden the conceptual scope of transnationalism, illustrating that such processes are not confined to Global North settings but are equally significant within the Global South.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaken together, these developments demonstrate that transnationalism among migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants has evolved into a multi-stranded, digitally mediated, and increasingly institutionalized process, one that lies at the heart of how belonging and identity are experienced and negotiated across borders.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3.3 Belonging: Diaspora Engagement, Return, and Multi-Local Futures\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe central question of this discussion is the \"puzzle of return\": why do descendants born and raised in their new homes choose to go back to their ancestral lands? Jain (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) suggests that these returns are less about economic reasons and more about emotional connections to heritage and identity. Later research (Beauchemin et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) shows that these movements are often temporary and circular, with descendants moving between Europe and Africa, starting businesses, or reconnecting with family before returning to their original homes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrigin countries are now making return migration a part of their development and diplomatic strategies. Initiatives like Ghana\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;Year of Return\u0026rdquo; (2019) and Nigeria\u0026rsquo;s Diaspora Investment Summit actively involve second- and third-generation descendants as partners in innovation (Gamlen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Moreover, African countries that are destinations, such as Ghana, are now included in this broader narrative.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKandilige and Awumbila (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) show that descendants of Lebanese and Chinese migrants in Ghana practice dual belonging, anchored in Accra yet emotionally linked to Beirut or Guangzhou, challenging older Eurocentric frameworks. Belonging, therefore, is no longer linear or territorial. It is multi-local, negotiated, and strategic, reflecting the transnational heart of contemporary descendants\u0026rsquo; lives.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.4 Synthesis: Linking Identity, Transnationalism, and Belonging through Transnationalism Theory\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom a Transnationalism Theory, the research indicates that the descendants of migrants are actively involved in both integration and cross-border interactions. Their identity development does not signify a rejection of the host society; rather, it represents a redefinition of belonging that transcends social, digital, and spatial boundaries. The transnational field, as conceptualized by Glick Schiller et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1992\u003c/span\u003e), offers the structural framework within which these descendants function, thereby connecting them to diverse communities of significance. Consequently, identity, transnationalism, and belonging constitute a triadic process: descendants construct their identities within transnational social spaces, express belonging through cross-border activities, and perpetually reimagine their sense of home, thereby challenging conventional understandings of nationality and citizenship.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Limitations and Strengths","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis review, though comprehensive in its synthesis, presents certain methodological and conceptual limitations that warrant acknowledgment. First, the study relies exclusively on English-language publications, which may have excluded valuable insights from non-English scholarly traditions, especially studies conducted in Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabic-speaking African contexts. This linguistic bias potentially narrows the geographical and cultural diversity of perspectives on transnationalism, identity, and belonging among migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants. Furthermore, although the two-phased systematic search (2016 and 2017\u0026ndash;2024) ensured temporal breadth, it inevitably missed emergent grey literature and unpublished research, particularly from regions where migration scholarship is still developing institutionally.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother limitation lies in the conceptual heterogeneity of the reviewed studies. The literature employs varied terminologies, such as \u0026ldquo;second generation,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;children of immigrants,\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;diaspora youth\u0026rdquo;, that do not always align conceptually. While this review critically interrogates these categories through the lens of Transnationalism Theory, differences in operationalization across studies complicate direct comparisons and synthesis. Additionally, the reliance on secondary data restricts the ability to empirically test emerging propositions about multi-local belonging and digital transnationalism. Primary qualitative research among migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants in underrepresented Global South destinations, such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, remains urgently needed to validate and contextualize these findings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite these constraints, the review\u0026rsquo;s strengths are considerable. It provides one of the few integrative syntheses to bridge Global North and Global South perspectives on migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants, challenging the Euro-American dominance of the discourse. The use of Transnationalism Theory as the central framework allows for a nuanced understanding of how everyday practices, digital communication, remittances, family networks, and symbolic homeland affiliations, constitute identity and belonging across borders.This theoretical framework enhances the interpretive richness of the synthesis, demonstrating that transnational connections transcend the legacy of parental migration, functioning instead as fluid, evolving, and frequently digitally facilitated social phenomena.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the incorporation of contemporary research on African destination contexts represents a significant advancement. These investigations reframe Africa, no longer viewed solely as a source of migrants, but as a dynamic environment where descendant identities and citizenship are continuously negotiated. Methodologically, the systematic search design promotes transparency and replicability, while the narrative synthesis method effectively captures the intricacies of the examined phenomena. Consequently, these combined strengths render the review both an empirical overview of existing knowledge and a conceptual contribution to the global study of migration and transnationalism.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eMigrants\u0026rsquo; descendants in destination contexts embody a paradox of belonging: legally citizens yet socially positioned as outsiders. This review underscores that their experiences are shaped not simply by ancestry but by transnational processes that extend beyond physical mobility. Grounded in Transnationalism Theory, the review demonstrates that identity, belonging, and citizenship are co-constructed across multiple locales, shaped by both structural exclusion and active engagement in cross-border networks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentity among migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants remains intertwined with racialization and structural inequality. Despite citizenship by birth, they often confront \u0026ldquo;conditional belonging,\u0026rdquo; where their inclusion depends on conformity to racial and cultural hierarchies in destination societies. Transnationalism, once conceptualized as the maintenance of homeland ties by first-generation migrants, has evolved into a digitally sustained social field in which descendants cultivate connections through online platforms, cultural associations, and diaspora mobilities. These interactions reshape the spatial and emotional landscapes of belonging, demonstrating that the concept of home transcends geographical boundaries, instead being defined by relational practices and emotional investments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this context, belonging becomes a multi-local and negotiated phenomenon. Descendants of migrants traverse between symbolic homelands and their lived host country, enacting citizenship across spaces that both include and exclude them. The return movement, once idealized as a definitive homecoming, now reflects a cyclical and frequently strategic re-engagement, where return visits or investments function as expressions of identity and transnational commitment, rather than permanent relocation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, recent findings from African contexts, including Ghana and Nigeria, indicate that the dynamics of transnationalism are no longer limited to North\u0026ndash;South trajectories.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudies of Lebanese-Ghanaians, Chinese-Ghanaians, and West African intergenerational migrant groups demonstrate how South\u0026ndash;South transnationalism contests prevailing models of global migration. These observations underscore that the transnational activities of descendants are shaped by their specific contexts, exhibit considerable diversity, and mirror global transformations in mobility, digital technology, and citizenship debates.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, we advocate for Ghana-focused research on the descendants of migrants to investigate how identity, belonging, and transnational practices are expressed within a society that has historically functioned as both a source and destination for migrants. Such research would help to overcome the conceptual North\u0026ndash;South divide, contribute to the development of inclusive policy frameworks, and refine Transnationalism Theory by grounding it in African contexts. Comprehending these dynamics is not merely an academic pursuit; it is also a crucial policy requirement for fostering inclusive citizenship and effective migration governance in an increasingly globalized world.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e6.1 Implications for Policy and Practice\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe conclusions drawn from this review carry considerable weight for both migration governance and social policy. Initially, it is imperative that policymakers acknowledge the citizenship status of migrants' descendants, recognizing their transnational affiliations rather than classifying them as permanent migrants. Consequently, citizenship legislation and national integration policies must be adjusted to reflect this perspective, thereby promoting social inclusion and the affirmation of identity. Furthermore, governments and diaspora organizations should capitalize on the digital transnationalism of these descendants, specifically through online diaspora networks, virtual heritage initiatives, and transnational entrepreneurial endeavors, to bolster global Ghanaian engagement and South\u0026ndash;South collaboration. Educational and civic programs must also confront racialized exclusion and cultural stereotyping, which impede a sense of belonging within the societies of destination.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntegrating intercultural competence and migration literacy into educational programs could foster empathy and a more inclusive sense of national identity. Furthermore, migration policies in Ghana and other African nations should broaden their scope beyond return migration to include engagement with descendants, acknowledging these communities as developmental allies who represent both local citizenship and global interconnectedness.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUltimately, future research and practical applications should incorporate a transnational perspective when formulating social interventions, thereby ensuring that policies accurately reflect the dynamic, multilocal realities of migrants' descendants. By incorporating Transnationalism Theory into governance structures, destination countries, particularly those in the Global South, can progress toward inclusive, pluralistic societies where all citizens, irrespective of their heritage, experience a sense of complete belonging.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003e7.0 Funding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo financial support was received for the research, authorship, or publication of this article. The study was undertaken as part of the authors\u0026rsquo; independent academic research collaboration.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.1 Data Availability\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis paper draws entirely on secondary data sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, institutional reports, and policy documents. All the data and resources utilized are publicly available and may be verified using reliable academic databases and internet repositories.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.4 Ethics Approval\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBecause this study used just existing data, it didn't include people. Therefore, ethical approval wasn't needed.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAkyeampong E (2020) The Year of Return: Diaspora Tourism and the Reinvention of \u0026lsquo;Home\u0026rsquo; in Ghana. Afr Affairs 119(474):135\u0026ndash;150\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdepoju A (2010) International Migration within, to and from Africa in a Globalised World. (No Title)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAgnew V (2007) Being White and thinking Black: An interview with Frances Henry. 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Routledge\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYuval-Davis N (2011) The politics of belonging: Intersectional contestations\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"Ensign Global University ","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Migrants’ descendants, transnationalism, identity, belonging, destination areas, second-generation, diaspora engagement","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8563840/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8563840/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis review synthesizes empirical and theoretical scholarship on migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants in destination areas. The paper examines the interconnected themes of identity, transnationalism, and belonging through the analytical lens of Transnationalism Theory. A two-stage search strategy was used: an initial systematic review across major academic databases followed by a supplementary search using Scopus and Web of Science. In total, twenty-eight peer-reviewed studies were analysed. Findings reveal that migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants are often mischaracterized as \u0026ldquo;second-generation\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;1.5-generation\u0026rdquo; migrants. These terminologies mostly obscure their citizenship by birth and reinforces exclusion within the host societies. Identity and belonging emerge as fluid, multidimensional constructs expressed through circular mobility, affective ties to ancestral homelands. This review suggests for a more Global South destination research, to complement existing studies on migrants\u0026rsquo; descendants in the Global North. It calls for the creation of citizenship frameworks that are inclusive and context sensitive, recognizing descendants as citizens with transnational identities.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Identity, Transnationalism, and Belonging: A Systematic Review of Literature on Migrants’ Descendants in Destination Areas","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-02-18 09:12:24","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8563840/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"cd50ee8f-6d0d-4c08-99f7-4997d12235bb","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 18th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":63032482,"name":"Immigration Law"},{"id":63032483,"name":"Social Policy"},{"id":63032484,"name":"Sociology"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-18T09:12:24+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-02-18 09:12:24","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8563840","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8563840","identity":"rs-8563840","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}