The performances and places of identity: Conceptualizing intersections of occupation, identity and place in the process of migration

Abstract

Both occupation and place are recognised as having reciprocal relationships to identity, in that each can be drawn upon to develop and convey who one is and in turn, engagement with both occupation and place are shaped by identity. When people migrate, however, their occupations and sense of place shift. It is therefore vital to consider the intersections of occupation, place and identity when studying migration from an occupational perspective. This article draws together Goffman's work related to the performative aspects of identity and Bourdieu's notion of habitus, to propose the idea of ‘doing identity’ in relation to place. It argues that this concept will enhance conceptualisation and study of the inter‐relationships between occupation, place and identity, and suggests research exploring how identity is situated by habitus and performed in social interaction through occupation.