A book exploring the lives of British migrants in Dubai through their personal relationships has been published in the Society’s book series. Transnational Geographies of the Heart, by Dr Katie Walsh who is Senior Lecturer in Geography at the University of Sussex, focuses on the experiences of British migrants in Dubai, and examines a range of intimacies from friendships and communities, to marriage and shorter romantic encounters.
Dr David Featherstone, Editor of the RGS-IBG book series, said: “Transnational Geographies of the Heart makes accounts of different forms of intimacy central to understandings of everyday life. Based on compelling and vivid ethnographic engagement with the lives of British migrants in Dubai, the book explores the different intimate relations that shape their experiences and by doing so offers new perspectives on processes of transnational migration.”
Katie travelled to Dubai in 2002, when the city was undergoing a period of rapid economic transformation and the swiftly globalising city had become home to a large community of British nationals. Through her research, Katie came to understand how the little studied area of intimacy is woven into our everyday lives.
In the book’s final chapter, Katie contemplates her feelings on leaving Dubai when her research was complete, and the emotional pull she felt in the months and years that followed. In the end, it was her own experiences that truly convinced her of the “significance of intimacy in shaping transnational geographies of the heart.”
Transnational Geographies of the Heart is available to buy on the Wiley website.
Society members receive a 35% discount on titles in the RGS-IBG book series when ordering through Wiley. Log in to the members area to access your discount code and simply enter at the checkout on the Wiley website.