Abstract
As an interdisciplinary theory that emerged in the 1990s, the discourse of diaspora theory has engaged with varying fields: ethnicity studies, postcolonial studies, globalization, and literary studies. With the continuous evolution and deepening of the diaspora phenomenon, this theory has remained open. Cultural identity, as the core of diaspora theory, is emphasized as being constantly constructed and produced by the subject, and being in a state of hybridity, while the traditional fixed and single identity is overthrown. With the fading of (post)colonial history, globalization has risen to the forefront of diaspora theory, replacing (post)colonization; meanwhile, the core of diaspora theory shifts from the resistance of marginal groups within a postcolonial society to a fusing power that bridges the gap between individuals and society, the local and the global. From the new millennium onwards, diaspora has been used as an analytical term in the research on overseas Chinese literature, corresponding largely with the interpretation of Chinese migration history and indicating some core characteristics of overseas Chinese literature. However, diaspora as a literary discourse features noticeable internal tension, contradictions and weakness, and thus there are still areas to be explored and supplemented in the study of diasporic literature.
Keywords
cultural identity; postcolonialism; globalization; diasporic literature
First Page
91
Last Page
102
Recommended Citation
Zhou, Qixing. 2022. "From Cultural Studies to Literary Studies: The Evolution, Turn, and Problems of Diaspora Theory." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 42, (5): pp.91-102. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol42/iss5/7
